The cardiac notch is a deep indentation in the front edge of the left lung where it is pushed aside by the heart. Below it the lingula curls forward like a small tongue.
| Location | Anterior border of the superior lobe of the left lung, at about the level of the 4th-6th costal cartilages |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Pulmonary plexus |
| Blood Supply | Bronchial arteries; Pulmonary arteries |
| Venous drainage | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Allows room for the heart, which lies against the pericardium in this area without overlying lung.
The notch leaves an area where the pericardium touches the chest wall with no lung in front (the bare area of the pericardium), which is used for pericardiocentesis approaches and gives the area of cardiac dullness on percussion.
Fluid around the heart that may be drained through the region uncovered by the cardiac notch.
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