Left Atrium

This close up image shows an internal view of the anterior wall of the left atrium. The opening of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is clearly visible. AS=Atrial septum, MV = mitral valve, LSPV= left superior pulmonary vein, LPA= left pulmonary artery.

The lower images show the posterior wall of the left atrium. Note the striking smoothness of the endocardium. The endocardium of the left atrium is always thicker than the endocardium in any other chamber of the heart. This is due to the fact that there are multiple layers of elastic lamellae present in the endocardium. SVC = superior vena cava, LIPV=left inferior pulmonary vein.

The relationship of the posterior wall of the left atrium to the coronary sinus is shown here.

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