Terminal sulcus of heart

Terminal Sulcus of the Heart

The terminal sulcus, also known as the coronary sulcus or atrioventricular groove, is an anatomical feature of the heart. It is a groove that encircles the heart and separates the atria from the ventricles. In this article, we will explore the terminal sulcus in detail, including its structure, function, and clinical significance.

Structure

The terminal sulcus is a shallow groove that runs horizontally around the heart. It is located on the external surface of the heart, separating the atria from the ventricles. The sulcus is formed by the reflection of the visceral pericardium onto the external surface of the heart.

Function

The terminal sulcus serves several important functions in the heart. Firstly, it acts as a boundary between the atria and the ventricles, helping to separate the two chambers. This division is crucial for the proper functioning of the heart, as it allows for the coordinated contraction and relaxation of the atria and ventricles during the cardiac cycle.

Additionally, the terminal sulcus contains important blood vessels and nerves that supply the heart muscle. The coronary arteries, which provide oxygenated blood to the heart, run within the terminal sulcus. The sulcus also houses the coronary sinus, a large vein that collects deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle and returns it to the right atrium.

Clinical Significance

The terminal sulcus has clinical significance in the field of cardiology. It serves as a landmark for identifying the borders of the heart during medical imaging and surgical procedures. By locating the terminal sulcus, healthcare professionals can accurately assess the size and position of the heart, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac conditions.

Furthermore, abnormalities or variations in the terminal sulcus can be indicative of certain heart diseases. For example, an enlarged or distorted sulcus may suggest the presence of myocardial infarction or other cardiac pathologies. Therefore, the examination of the terminal sulcus can provide valuable information for clinicians in the evaluation of heart health.

See Also

• Heart
• Coronary Arteries
• Coronary Sinus
• Cardiac Cycle