Dissection of pericardium and heart in situ

Latex cast of cavities of left atrium and left ventricle; transverse sinus of pericardium

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Image #118-4

Dissection of pericardium and heart in situ

Latex cast of cavities of left atrium and left ventricle; transverse sinus of pericardium

The aorta and pulmonary trunk have been cut off to expose the transverse sinus of the pericardial cavity (3) and the left atrium. The anterior wall of the left atrium and the anterior cusp of the mitral valve have been resected to uncover the red latex cast which fills the left atrium and is continuous through the atrioventricular ostium with the cast of the left ventricle.

1. Superior vena cava
2. Ascending aorta
3. Upper pointer: Transverse pericardial sinus Lower pointer: Wall of left atrium (cut across)
4. Sinus of vena cava
5. Membranous part interventricular septum
6. Muscular part interventricular septum
7. Blue latex within coronary sinus
8. Pulmonary trunk
9. Left auricle
10. Red latex cast in left atrium (position of anterior segment of fibrous mitral valve ring indicated on drawing by dotted line below pointer)
11. Latex cast within left atrioventricular opening
12. Latex cast within left ventricle
13. Anterior papillary muscle