The inferior portion of the ventricles is called the _____.

• A. Base
• B. Septum
• C. Apex
• D. Dorsum

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is body-region terminology for the heart’s landmarks. The pointed, bottom tip of the heart—the part that sits most inferiorly and is formed mainly by the left ventricle—is called the apex. This apex points downward, forward, and to the left, and it lies around the left fifth intercostal space near the midclavicular line. In contrast, the base is the broad, posterior surface where the atria connect and where major vessels arise, and the septum is the wall separating the left and right ventricles. Dorsum isn’t a term used for heart anatomy. So the inferior portion of the ventricles is the apex.