The heart typically is triangular in shape. The heart you see in the multimedia slide displays this triangular shape and is pointed at the bottom. Notice that there is a layer of fat which surrounds the heart. This is normal on most body organs. This fat layer provides insulation to prevent excessive increases or decreases in temperature, and serves as a protective cushion to prevent injury to the heart.

On the right side of the slide you see the inside of the aorta. You can see that the inside of a normal blood vessel is smooth and shiny. This is to facilitate ease of blood flow through the vessels.

Photographs above copyrighted by HEALTH EDCO, INC., Waco, Texas 76702-1207. Permission for limited use granted October, 1997.