The Heart Pump

• The heart is a dual pump that circulates blood through systemic and pulmonary tissues.
• The apex of the heart is its inferior, pointed end that rests on the diaphragm.
• The base of the heart is the superior, flat end from which major vessels arise.
• The mediastinum is central compartment of the thoracic cavity, which contains the heart and its blood vessels.

QBReview: Review this Lesson

The heart is located between the lungs. Its superior part is the base; the pointed inferior part is the apex.