Why are humans hearts off-centered?

Question

Since our bodies for the most part are symmetrical(besides some organs like the liver, pancreas, etc) wouldnt it make more sense for our hearts to be completely centered in our chest with veins and arteries symmetrically coming out to 2 lungs 2 kidneys centered brain centered stomach two arms and two legs???

Very curious I am...

Answer 1

not everything is as symmetrical as it may seem. One kidney is higher than the other, the liver is larger on the right side, the right lung is slightly larger than the left. As far as organs go, symmetry is actually not the norm. With the heart, it starts out symmetrical in development as a fetus (as do many organs), but the areas grow non-symmetrically. The heart is centered in the middle of the chest to some degree, but the left side of the heart is much larger than the right (in terms of muscle). This is because the right side pumps blood only to the lungs (not very far away) and the left right pumps blood to the entire body. since the left side has more muscle to pump to the rest of the body, its where you can feel your heartbeat the most. the heart is also positioned somewhat... wonkey... in the chest, laying on what looks like its back and pointing a bit to the left.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Heart-and-lungs.jpg

Answer 2

I remember a science teacher telling me a long time ago that the heart is actually in the center of the chest. However, it is positioned at an angle, so we can feel the beating of the heart stronger on the left side. However, I have never taken anatomy/physiology, and science teachers aren't exactly infallable, so I would verify this info.

Answer 3

The heart is centered. It is the pumping side, the left, that is enlarged because of it's job of moving blood throughout the entire body.

Answer 4

oooohhhhhh that is a damn good question. Now I want to know as well.