The heart is located in the chest, specifically in the front of the chest, slightly behind and to the left of the sternum (breastbone). It sits between the right and left lungs and rests on the diaphragm.
Detailed Location and Anatomy
- Central Location: The heart is situated in the middle of the chest, but its position is slightly offset to the left. This is a typical anatomical feature.
- Relationship to the Sternum: The sternum, or breastbone, provides a central reference point. The heart lies just behind and slightly left of this bone.
- Position Relative to the Lungs: The heart is nestled between the lungs, occupying the space within the mediastinum.
- Diaphragm Support: The diaphragm, the primary muscle for breathing, acts as a supporting structure for the heart below.
Several sources confirm this anatomical location:
- The Texas Heart Institute® states that the heart is located "between your lungs in the middle of your chest, behind and slightly to the left of your breastbone (sternum)."
- Cleveland Clinic similarly describes the heart's position as "in the front of your chest...slightly behind and to the left of your sternum."
- Medical News Today reinforces this, stating that the heart is "located in the chest, to the left of the center."
- Britannica adds that the heart in humans is "situated between the two lungs and slightly to the left of centre, behind the breastbone; it rests on the diaphragm."
While the majority of individuals have their heart located as described above, variations exist. Conditions like dextrocardia involve the heart being positioned on the right side of the chest.
