The cardiohepatic triangle is a small area located between the liver and the heart. Pronounced as /kɑrdiːoˌhɛpætɪk ˈtraɪæŋɡəl/, the spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically. The first syllable, "cardio," refers to the heart and is pronounced as /kɑrdiːoʊ/. The second syllable, "hepatic," refers to the liver and is pronounced as /hɛˈpætɪk/. The final part of the word, "triangle," refers to the shape of this area and is pronounced as /ˈtraɪæŋɡəl/. Together, the word is pronounced as /kɑrdiːoʊˈhɛpætɪ
The cardiohepatic triangle is a small anatomical region located within the abdominal cavity. It is formed by the convergence of several structures including the diaphragmatic surface of the liver, the inferior vena cava, and the coronary ligament of the liver.
The diaphragmatic surface of the liver refers to the upper surface of the liver that faces the diaphragm. The inferior vena cava is the largest vein in the body, responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart. The coronary ligament of the liver is a fold of peritoneum that attaches the liver to the diaphragm on its upper surface.
The cardiohepatic triangle is of particular clinical significance due to its proximity to vital structures such as the heart, liver, and major blood vessels. It serves as a landmark for identifying the boundaries of different abdominal quadrants and is useful during surgical procedures or imaging studies.
Various important structures can be found within or in close proximity to the cardiohepatic triangle, including the lesser omentum, right phrenic nerve, hepatobiliary structures, and intersegmental veins. These structures play crucial roles in the function and physiology of the heart, liver, and abdominal organs.
Overall, the cardiohepatic triangle serves as a defined region in the abdominal cavity and is important for anatomical and clinical considerations related to the heart, liver, and associated structures.
An area in the fifth intercostal space on the right side, marking the interval between the heart and the liver.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.