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Ashley Davidoff MD

Copyright The Common

Definition

The frontal view of the heart is a normal post mortem specimen with contrast in the coronary arteries delineating the large central left anterior descending artery that separates the right side of the heart from the left.
15009c cardiac heart coronary artery normal anatomy gross pathology LAD diagonal artery acute marginal artery conal artery arc of Vieussens Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD

The heart is a muscular pump that is part of the cardiovascular system.   The component parts include paired atria, ventricles, atrioventricular valves and paired outflow valves.  It is surrounded by the two layered  pericardium.  It is connected to the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary artery and pulmonary veins, and to the systemic circulation via the aorta and vena cava.  It is characterized by its pumping function.

Structural features include its fist size, location in the chest, asymmetric symmetry of the chambers and great vessels and the and the syncytial nature of the myocardium.

Functional characteristics include its contractile nature, and ability to adapt to a variety of physiological states with beat to beat variations.

Common diseases include ischemic heart disease, infections, and valvular disorders.

Clinical history examination and EKG are key first steps in the diagnostic workup.  Cardiac enzymes have been an extremely useful in the evaluation of acute myocardial infarction.  Echocardiography is the mainstay of imaging techniques.  Nuclear medicine has also been an important component in cardiac assessment.  Newer techniques including multidetector CT and MRI  are evolving.

Therapy includes pharmaceuticals that are evolving, but mainstays include digoxin and diuretics.  Minimally invasive therapies, and surgery are advancing and improving management of mechanical problems of the heart. Heart transplant was pioneered in 1967 , and remains a surgical option for appropriate candidates.

The Heart – Symmetric Asymmetry

The heart is a muscular pump that is part of the cardiovascular system.   The component parts include paired atria, ventricles, atrioventricular valves and paired outflow valves.  It is surrounded by the two layered  pericardium.  It is connected to the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary artery, to the systemic circulation via the aorta.  Systemic venous circulation is connected to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cavae, while the pulmonary circulation returns via the pulmonary veins.  It is characterized by its position in the chest cavity, and coordinated pumping ability.

Structural features include its fist size, asymmetric symmetry of the chambers and great vessels and the and the syncytial nature of the myocardium. Functional characteristics include its contractile nature, and ability to adapt to a variety of physiological states. Common diseases include ischemic heart disease, infections, and valvular disorders. Clinical history examination and EKG are key first steps in the diagnostic workup.  Cardiac enzymes have been an extremely useful in the evaluation of acute myocardial infarction.  Echocardiography is the mainstay of imaging techniques.  Nuclear medicine has also been an important component in cardiac assessment.  Newer techniques including multidetector CT and MRI  are evolving. Treatment depends on the cause but includes a variety of medical and surgical options.  Minimally invasive techniques have had a major influence in the treatment of coronary artery disease.

The artistic rendition of the heart attempts to reveal the ambivalence in the shape of the heart as either a triangular structure or an oval on its side, and it seems to satisfy both shapes in this view. The right ventricle dominates the anterior view and the left ventricle peeks around the left border of the heart holding its power as its trump card behind the right ventricle. Courtesy Ashley Davidoff, M.D.
“The Heart – Symmetric Asymmetry”  shows symmetry and  asymmetry of the right and left sides of the heart.  It is an intriguing and mysterious structure and the art piece reveals a design that is both structurally and functionally beautiful and perfect.  The heart is a muscular pump that is part of the cardiovascular system.
The component parts include paired atria, ventricles, atrioventricular valves and paired outflow valves.  It is surrounded by the two layered  pericardium.  It is connected to the pulmonary circulation via the pulmonary artery, and to the systemic circulation via the aorta.  The systemic venous circulation is connected to the heart via the superior and inferior vena cavae, while the pulmonary circulation returns blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins.  It is characterized by its position in the chest cavity, and coordinated pumping ability.  This frontal view of the heart gives us only a tip of the iceberg insight into the beauty of this magnificent structure.
Systole and Diastole
In the gated MRI, systole and diastole can be differentiated and so standard measurement to thickness and volume can be applied, for evaluation of size. This MRI series demonstrates the heart in systole and diastole. Image 1 demonstrates ventricular systole. The atrial chambers are full, the A-V valves are closed and the ventricular chambers are contracted. Image 3 is a color overlay of the closed A-V valves of image 1. Image 2 demonstrates ventricular diastole. The atrial chambers are emptying, the A-V valves are open and the ventricular chambers are full. Image 4 is a color overlay of the open A-V valves of image 2. Courtesy of: Philips Healthcare

Pulling Together in the Heart “Pulling Together in the Heart” is an artistic rendering of the heart  derived from a histological section of the cellular makeup of the heart.  The syncytial morphology is an open door design allowing free communication between the cells.  This design is particularly necessary in the heart and  allows for efficient, coordinated, and collaborative communication and contraction between the cells.  It is a great example of units to unity.Ashley Davidoff MD

 

Anterior Leaflet of the Mitral Valve? is an anatomical specimen. It is taken from the left atrium and directed toward the left ventricle.  The delicate chordae tendineae are the delicate strings of the heart that attach to the lateral aspects of the leaflet. Ashley Davidoff MD