The surface of the heart that faces the spine is called which of the following?

The surface of the heart that faces the spine is called which of the following?

• A. Posterior surface of the heart
• B. Anterior surface of the heart
• C. Lateral surface of the heart
• D. Diaphragmatic surface of the heart

Answer: (A)

That direction corresponds to the posterior surface of the heart. This surface is largely formed by the left atrium (with contribution from the right atrium) and it sits against the vertebral column in the mid to lower thorax. It’s the part you’d view behind the heart when looking at a chest X-ray or dissecting the heart from the back. By contrast, the anterior (sternocostal) surface faces the sternum and ribs and is mainly formed by the right ventricle; the diaphragmatic surface faces the diaphragm (primarily the left ventricle); and the surfaces that contact the lungs sit laterally toward each side.

That direction corresponds to the posterior surface of the heart. This surface is largely formed by the left atrium (with contribution from the right atrium) and it sits against the vertebral column in the mid to lower thorax. It’s the part you’d view behind the heart when looking at a chest X-ray or dissecting the heart from the back. By contrast, the anterior (sternocostal) surface faces the sternum and ribs and is mainly formed by the right ventricle; the diaphragmatic surface faces the diaphragm (primarily the left ventricle); and the surfaces that contact the lungs sit laterally toward each side.