Cardiac notch

Cardiac Notch

The cardiac notch (also known as the cardiac incisure or cardiac impression) is a distinct feature of the human anatomy specifically related to the lung anatomy. It is a concave impression located on the mediastinal surface of the left lung, allowing space for the heart.

Anatomy

The cardiac notch is found on the anterior border of the left lung, near the costal surface. It accommodates the pericardium and part of the heart. This anatomical feature is one of the key differences between the left and right lungs, as the right lung does not have a cardiac notch.

Clinical Significance

The cardiac notch's primary function is to allow space for the heart within the thoracic cavity. However, its presence can also be significant in medical examinations and procedures. For instance, in the case of pneumothorax, the absence of the cardiac notch can be a diagnostic indicator.

See Also

• Lung
• Heart
• Mediastinal surface
• Pneumothorax