Terminal sulcus of the hear

Terminal sulcus of the heart
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Sulcus terminalis cordis
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The terminal sulcus of the heart, also known as the sulcus terminalis cordis, is a prominent anatomical feature found on the surface of the heart. It is a groove that separates the atria from the ventricles and plays an important role in the conduction system of the heart.

Anatomy

The terminal sulcus is a shallow groove that runs horizontally on the external surface of the heart. It starts at the superior vena cava and extends towards the inferior vena cava. The sulcus separates the atria, which are located above it, from the ventricles, which are located below it.

Function

The terminal sulcus serves as a landmark for the electrical conduction system of the heart. It marks the boundary between the atria and the ventricles, which have different electrical properties and functions. The atria are responsible for receiving blood from the veins and pumping it into the ventricles, while the ventricles are responsible for pumping blood out of the heart.

The conduction system of the heart consists of specialized cells that generate and transmit electrical impulses, coordinating the contraction and relaxation of the heart muscles. The terminal sulcus helps to separate the atrial conduction system from the ventricular conduction system, ensuring that the electrical impulses are properly directed and coordinated.

Clinical Significance

The terminal sulcus is an important anatomical landmark for cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists. It helps them identify the boundaries between the atria and the ventricles during surgical procedures or catheter-based interventions.

In addition, abnormalities or variations in the terminal sulcus can have clinical implications. For example, an enlarged or hypertrophic terminal sulcus may be associated with certain cardiac conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, careful examination of the terminal sulcus can provide valuable diagnostic information.

See Also

• Heart
• Cardiac conduction system
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

References

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