external surface (left atrium, anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The external surface of the right atrium forms the majority of the posterior surface of the heart. Entering into it superiorly and laterally are the pulmonary veins: there are superior and inferior veins on both sides; the left veins enter into the chamber slightly superior to the right veins.
Anteriorly, the only part of the left atrium that can be visualised on the external surface is the auricle.