The crux cordis, cardiac crux or crux of the heart is an anatomical landmark and refers to the cross-shaped appearance of the posterior view or diaphragmatic surface of the heart 1-3.
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Gross anatomy
The crux cordis is formed by the connection of the right and left atrioventricular groove and the posterior interventricular and interatrial sulci 1-3. It is topographically closely related to the inferior pyramidal space and many important vascular structures including the ostium of the inferior vena cava the origin of the coronary sinus, the middle cardiac vein 4 and small cardiac vein as well as the atrioventricular nodal artery the right posterolateral artery and the origin of the posterior descending artery in several individuals 2.
History and etymology
The name crux cordis is derived from Latin and means ‘cross of the heart’.
Clinical importance
The crux of the heart forms an important anatomical landmark especially due to its close morphological relationship to the atrioventricular nodal artery.