Right atrial appendage

Right atrial appendage
Heart seen from above.
Section of the heart showing the ventricular septum. (Left auricula labeled at upper right.)
Latin auricula dextra
Gray's subject #138 533

The right atrial appendage (RAA) (right auricular appendix, right auricula, right auricle) is a small conical muscular pouch attached to the right atrium of the heart.

Contents

Anatomy

Its margins present a dentated edge. It projects from the upper and front part of the sinus forward and toward the left side, overlapping the root of the aorta.

The right auricle, along with the right atrial body, is lined with pectinate muscles that form a network of hills and furrows that give it a trabeculated surface.

Terminology

In older texts, the term "right auricle" was often used to describe the structure now known as the right atrium.

Clinical significance

It is possible for tachycardia to emerge from this structure.

Rupture is rare.

References

See also