How large is the heart typically?

The heart is typically described as being about the size of a person's fist. This analogy helps visualize the average dimensions of a healthy adult heart, which is usually around 12 cm long and 9 cm wide. The fist comparison is widely used in medical education because it provides a relatable reference point that individuals can easily remember. This size can vary based on an individual’s body size and overall health; however, the general belief remains that the heart approximates the size of a fist, making it a useful benchmark for understanding its size in relation to the body. The other size comparisons mentioned, such as a grapefruit or a melon, are larger and not accurate representations of the heart’s typical size.