Cardiac impression

Cardiac Impression is a term used in anatomy to describe the mark or indentation that the heart makes on the surface of the lungs and the mediastinum. This impression is most noticeable on the left lung due to the position of the heart in the thoracic cavity.

Overview

The cardiac impression is a physical manifestation of the heart's close proximity to the lungs and mediastinum. It is a concave region where the heart has pressed against these structures, creating a visible indentation. This is most prominent on the mediastinal surface of the left lung, as the heart is situated slightly to the left of the midline in the thoracic cavity.

Clinical Significance

The cardiac impression can be used as a landmark in medical imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to help identify the position and orientation of the heart within the thoracic cavity. Changes in the size or shape of the cardiac impression can indicate pathological conditions such as cardiomegaly, where the heart is abnormally enlarged.

See Also

• Lung
• Heart
• Mediastinum
• Thoracic cavity
• Cardiomegaly