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AnatomyThoraxMediastinumPrecordium
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AnatomyThoraxMediastinumPrecordium

Precordium

Author: Christina Loukopoulou, MSc • Reviewer: Declan Tempany, BSc (Hons)
Last reviewed: February 13, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Surface anatomy of the thorax and upper limb [14:03]
Overview of the surface anatomy landmarks found on the thorax and upper limbs.
Precordium
Synonyms: Praecordium

The precordium is a region of the anterior thoracic wall overlying the heart and part of the stomach. The base of the heart is located in the region of the second intercostal space and the apex is located in the region of the fifth intercostal space on the left side. 

The precordial area comprises the epigastric region and the lower median part of the thorax.

Physicians often need to learn how to efficiently palpate the precordium, as it is essential for the evaluation of the right and left ventricular impulse, which are also known as precordial impulses. The areas that should be palpated are the apical area, the parasternal area, the right and left 2nd intercostal space and the epigastric area.

Terminology English: Precordium

Latin: Precordium
Synonym: Praecordium
Definition The precordium is a region of the thoracic wall overlying the heart and part of the stomach.

Learn more about the surface anatomy of the heart in the following study unit:

Surface anatomy of the heart Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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