Morphology/Structure
The left auricle (or atrial appendage) is a pectinated muscular structure which forms a distinctive pouch visible on the exterior of the heart and overlaps the pulmonary trunk.
Related parts of the anatomy
Key Features/Anatomical Relations
The left auricle is longer in comparison to the right auricle, but it's narrower, and its pectinate muscles are smaller. Due to the narrower passageway, it is a common location of blood clots.
Function
The left auricle is a remnant of the fetal left atrium. The auricles can relieve high atrial pressure by increasing the atrial capacity at times of stress, acting as overflow vessels.
