This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Sternocostal surface (heart, anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The sternocostal surface of the heart is directed anteriorly, superiorly and slightly to the left. It is formed by the left, right, superior and inferior borders of the heart.

It consists of the anterior surfaces of the:

  • right atrium: to the right and superior to the anterior atrioventricular groove
  • right ventricle:
    • forms two thirds of the anterior surface
    • separated by the anterior interventricular groove from the anterior surface of the left ventricle
  • left atrium: minimal contribution; its auricle may overlap the right superior surface of the heart
  • left ventricle: forms a small part of the far left sternocostal surface

Anteriorly, the sternocostal surface is separated by pericardium from the:

  • posterior of the body of the sternum
  • sternocostalis muscle
  • third to sixth costal cartilages on the left
  • mediastinal pleura

The acute angle at the anterior edge of the lungs fills the pleurae and is almost continuous across the midline except for a small, triangular area on the left of the sternocostal surface. The cardiac notch of the lung borders this laterally.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.