Despite centuries of writings and research into cardiac anatomy and function, the topic is still advancing, particularly in reference to clinical applications and embryological significance. This article presents the heart with reference to the classical anatomical position and attempts to clarify the nomenclature that is most commonly used by anatomists. We encourage clinicians to use the same terminology. The references are from an excellent compilation on the heart in Clinical Anatomy.
Robert H Whitaker MA MD MChir FRCS is an anatomy teacher at the University of Cambridge, UK. He is a Fellow of Selwyn College. He qualified from the University of Cambridge and University College Hospital, London. Competing interests: none
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