Terminal sulcus (heart)

Terminal Sulcus (Heart)

The Terminal Sulcus is a prominent anatomical feature of the heart. It is also known as the Coronary Sulcus or the Atrioventricular Groove. This article provides a detailed overview of the Terminal Sulcus, its location, structure, and significance in the cardiovascular system.

Location

The Terminal Sulcus is a groove that encircles the heart, separating the atria from the ventricles. It is located on the external surface of the heart, running horizontally around the heart's circumference. The groove is positioned between the atria and the ventricles, marking the boundary between these two chambers.

Structure

The Terminal Sulcus is formed by the reflection of the visceral pericardium onto the external surface of the heart. It contains the coronary vessels, including the Coronary Sinus, which is a large vein that collects deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle and returns it to the right atrium.

The groove is relatively shallow and can be seen as a distinct line on the surface of the heart. It extends from the posterior surface of the heart, where it connects with the Posterior Interventricular Sulcus, to the anterior surface, where it meets the Anterior Interventricular Sulcus.

Significance

The Terminal Sulcus plays a crucial role in the circulation of blood within the heart. It serves as a landmark for the coronary vessels, which supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself. The coronary vessels, including the coronary arteries and veins, run within the Terminal Sulcus, ensuring the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cardiac tissue.

Furthermore, the Terminal Sulcus helps to separate the atria from the ventricles, maintaining the structural integrity of the heart. It acts as a physical barrier, preventing the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood within the heart chambers.

Clinical Relevance

The Terminal Sulcus is of clinical importance in the field of cardiology. It serves as a reference point for cardiac surgeons during procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement. The identification and preservation of the Terminal Sulcus are crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the coronary vessels and the overall integrity of the heart.

See Also

• Heart
• Coronary Sinus
• Coronary Arteries
• Cardiac Surgery