Chapter 44, Problem 1PL

The ________is the inferior end of the heart that is bluntly pointed
a. base
b. apex
c. auricle
d. sulcus

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The heart is a muscular pump organ, located within the mediastinum and resting upon the diaphragm. It is enclosed by other organs of the body such as the lungs, thoracic vertebrae and the sternum. It has been attached at its superior end with large blood vessels and its inferior end extends downwards.

Answer to Problem 1PL

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option (b) apex.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (b) apex. The heart is enclosed by the lungs, thoracic vertebrae and the sternum. It is attached at its superior end, which is called the base that consists of several large blood vessels and its inferior end extends downwards, to the left and terminates, which is called the apex. Apex is the inferior end of the heart which is bluntly pointed. So,(c) is the correct answer.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

 Option (a) base. The heart is enclosed by the lungs, thoracic vertebrae and the sternum. It is attached at its superior end, which is called base that consists of several large blood vessels and its inferior end extends downwards. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (c) auricle. Auricle includes the left and right atrium of the heart. It is attached to each of the anterior surfaces of the outer walls of the atria. It increases the capacity of the atrium. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (d) sulcus. It is the groove on the outer surface of the heart, marking the division in between the atria and the ventricles and consists of trunks of nutrient vessels. So, this is an incorrect answer.

Conclusion

Thus, the heart is attached at its superior end, which is called base that consists of several large blood vessels and its inferior end extends downwards, to the left and terminates, which is called apex, which is bluntly pointed