BIOL 221 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Intercostal Space, Diastole, Mediastinum
10 Feb 2020
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Document Summary
The function of the heart is to pump blood into arteries and create pressure for movement of blood through blood vessels by alternately contracting. Extends from 2nd rib to 5th intercostal space. An average heart is about 250-350 grams. It extends from the 2nd rib to the 5th intercostal space (between the ribs). It is located in the pericardial sac within the mediastinum (connective tissue area between lungs in thoracic cavity), posterior to the sternum. About 2/3 lies to the left of midline. The pericardial sac consists of the outer fibrous pericardium and the serous layer lining it called the parietal pericardium. The fibrous pericardium consists of dense irregular connective tissue. Its function is to stabilize the heart in the mediastinum (other functions will be examined later). The serous pericardium consists of the parietal pericardium and visceral pericardium (also known as the epicardium; considered the outer layer of the heart wall).
