Which heart surface faces forward and abuts the chest wall?

Which heart surface faces forward and abuts the chest wall?

• A. Anterior surface
• B. Posterior surface
• C. Superior surface
• D. Inferior surface

Answer: (A)

An understanding of how the heart sits in the chest helps here. The surface that faces forward toward the chest wall is the anterior (sternocostal) surface. It lies directly against the sternum and anterior chest wall and is largely formed by the right ventricle. The other surfaces orient differently: the posterior surface (base) faces the posterior mediastinum and involves parts of the left atrium; the superior surface faces upward toward the great vessels; the inferior surface rests on the diaphragm.