What is surface anatomy of heart?
Surface anatomy of the heart refers to the external landmarks that help locate the heart's position on the chest wall. The heart lies in the middle mediastinum, behind the sternum, and slightly to the left. Its apex is located at the 5th left intercostal space, midclavicular line. The base lies opposite the second rib, near the right sternal border. Surface markings trace the right atrium along the right sternal border, the left ventricle along the left chest, and the right ventricle beneath the sternum. These landmarks help guide physical examination, auscultation, and procedures such as pericardiocentesis.