Sulcus terminalis

Sulcus Terminalis is a groove in the heart that separates the sinus venarum from the atrium. It is a significant anatomical landmark in the heart, marking the external boundary between the sinus venarum and the atrium on the right side of the heart. Internally, the corresponding boundary is marked by the crista terminalis.

Anatomy

The sulcus terminalis is a vertical groove on the posterior surface of the right atrium, running from the superior to the inferior vena cava. It is formed during the embryonic development of the heart, when the sinus venosus is incorporated into the right atrium. The sulcus terminalis is the external counterpart of the crista terminalis, a ridge inside the right atrium.

Clinical Significance

The sulcus terminalis is an important anatomical landmark in cardiac procedures such as cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery. It is also significant in the study of cardiac arrhythmias, as the crista terminalis is a common site of origin for atrial tachycardias.

See Also

• Heart
• Sinus venarum
• Atrium (heart)
• Crista terminalis
• Cardiac catheterization
• Cardiac surgery