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Location and Orientation of the Heart

Location and Orientation of the Heart

The human heart, despite its modest size and weight, is an organ of remarkable strength and endurance. Roughly the size of a fist, the heart weighs between 250 and 350 grams and is nestled within the mediastinum, the medial cavity of the thorax. It extends obliquely for about 12 to 14 cm, resting on the superior surface of the diaphragm. The heart is positioned anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum, with two-thirds of its mass lying to the left of the midsternal line.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation

Published on: January 7, 2021

Three-dimensional navigation inside a normal fetal heart in a virtual reality environment.

Nathalie Jeanne Bravo-Valenzuela¹, Maria Fátima Monteiro Pereira Leite², Jorge Lopes^3,4

¹Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU

|August 21, 2024

Summary

Three-dimensional (3D) navigation in virtual reality aids fetal heart exploration. This technology enhances multidisciplinary team discussions for improved diagnosis and surgical planning.

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Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026

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Published on: January 7, 2021

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Area of Science:

Medical technology
Fetal cardiology
Virtual reality applications

Background:

Traditional fetal heart examination methods have limitations in visualizing complex 3D structures.
Accurate diagnosis and surgical planning for fetal cardiac anomalies are critical for patient outcomes.

Observation:

Three-dimensional navigation within a virtual reality environment was utilized to explore fetal heart structures.
The system employed head-mounted displays (glasses) and input devices (joysticks) for interactive exploration.

Findings:

This virtual reality approach facilitates immersive visualization of intricate fetal cardiac anatomy.
It enables interactive, real-time discussions among multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Implications:

Provides novel perspectives for diagnosing complex fetal heart conditions.
Offers enhanced capabilities for planning potential surgical interventions with greater precision.