Where is the apex of the heart located?

The apex of the heart is the pointed end of the heart, which is oriented downwards and towards the left side of the chest. It is located at the level of the fifth intercostal space, typically found just above the diaphragm in a healthy individual. This positioning allows for the apex to be in close contact with the diaphragm, which is important for its movement during respiration.

Understanding the anatomy of the heart is crucial, as knowing the location of the apex can aid in performing clinical procedures, examinations, and interpreting EKG readings. The apex plays a significant role in the heart’s electrical activity; it is where some of the heart's electrical impulses originate, having implications on how the heart beats and how the rhythm is assessed on an EKG.