The size of the heart is about the size of a person's fist and is located between the lungs, under the sternum, with the apex tipped to the left. The ribs surround the chest cavity and protect the heart and lungs. The heart is contained within the pericardial sac, or membrane, seperating and protecting it from the lung (pleural) cavities. This pericardial sac is not shown in this diagram for clarity.

Parent Topic: Heart and Ribs
Topic Media ID: cvml_0446a