Cat Heart Anatomy Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the external anatomy of the cat heart, focusing on the identification and pathways of major veins and arteries.

The parietal pericardium is a bag-like membrane around the heart; when removed, it exposes the visceral pericardium.
The heart has left and right ventricles; the interventricular sulcus separates them.
The right and left atria are located above the ventricles.

The superior vena cava (also called anterior or cranial vena cava) carries blood from the body to the right atrium.
The inferior vena cava can be seen entering the lower part of the right atrium.
The superior vena cava splits into the right and left brachiocephalic veins.
The brachiocephalic vein drains blood from the arms and head.
The external jugular vein runs up the outside of the neck; the internal jugular is usually not visible in cats.
The subclavian vein runs just outside the rib cage and becomes the axillary vein in the armpit.
The axillary vein continues as the brachial vein down the arm, then splits into the radial (thumb side) and ulnar (pinky side) veins near the elbow.
The subscapular vein branches toward the shoulder blade.

The pulmonary trunk leaves the right ventricle; the aorta is visible behind it.
The aortic arch gives rise to major arteries; below the arch is the descending aorta (thoracic and abdominal portions).
In cats, the aortic arch has two main branches: the brachiocephalic trunk (first) and the left subclavian artery (second).
The brachiocephalic trunk splits into the left common carotid, right common carotid, and right subclavian arteries.
Subclavian arteries become axillary arteries after leaving the rib cage, then brachial, and further down, radial and ulnar arteries.

Parietal pericardium — outer membrane enclosing the heart.
Visceral pericardium — membrane directly covering the heart surface.
Superior vena cava — large vein bringing deoxygenated blood from upper body to the heart.
Brachiocephalic vein — major vein carrying blood from head and arms to the heart.
Subclavian vein/artery — runs beneath the clavicle; supplies/drains upper limb.
Axillary vein/artery — vessels located in the armpit area.
Brachial vein/artery — vessels running along the upper arm.
Radial/ulnar veins/arteries — supply/drain lateral and medial forearm.
Aortic arch — curved portion of the aorta from which major arteries branch.

Study the pathway and branching of major veins and arteries in the cat heart.
Review key anatomical terms and vessel locations for identification on lab practicals.