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Segmental anatomy

LV
  • Cone-shaped
  • Generally smooth walls (tightly packed trabeculae)
  • Usually 2 papillary muscles that do not originate from the interventricular septum
  • LVOT is adjacent to mitral valve (also why easier for IE to spread across these two valves)
RV
  • Banana/crescent-shaped
  • Trabeculated walls
  • Moderator band
  • Tricuspid and pulmonic valves are not adjacent, separated by the LVOT
LA
  • 4 pulmonary veins (though number can be variable)
  • LA appendage generally has narrow neck and various morphologies (windsock, chicken wing, cactus, cauliflower)
  • LA appendage has more trabeculated walls
RA
  • SVC, IVC, and coronary sinus draining into it
  • RA appendage generally has wider neck and triangle-shaped
  • RA appendage has smooth walls