external features (left ventricle, anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The left ventricle tapers to the apex of the heart as it passes to the left, inferiorly and slightly anteriorly. It contributes to the following surface of the heart:

• sternocostal
• left
• inferior or diaphragmatic

It is separated from the right ventricle by the anterior and posterior interventricular grooves. It is separated from the left atrium by the coronary sulcus; the sulcus is hard to distinguish on the sternocostal surface of the heart due to the presence of the aorta and pulmonary trunk.