midclavicular line
an imaginary line on the chest that runs vertically through the center of the clavicle
anterior axillary line
an imaginary vertical line stating at the front axilla (armpit) that extends down the left side of the chest
midaxillary line
an imaginary vertical line that starts at the middle of the axilla (armpit) and extends down the side of the chest
intercostal space (ICS)
the space between two ribs
suprasternal notch
the dip you feel at the anterior base of the neck just above the manubrium, where the clavicle attaches to the sternum
angle of Louis
a ridge about an inch or so below the suprasternal notch where the main part of the sternum and the top of the sternum, known as the manubrium, are attached
somatic tremor
voluntary or involuntary muscle movement; also known as body tremor
wandering baseline
artifact in which the tracing drifts away from the center of the graph paper
also known as baseline shift
alternating current (AC) interference
unwanted markings on the ECG caused by other electrical current sources
dextrocardia
when the heart is on the opposite or right side of the chest
posterior axillary line
imaginary line on the back that runs vertically from the shoulder down on the outer edge of the rib cage
midscapular line
imaginary line on the back that runs vertically through the center of the scapula
paraspinous line
imaginary line on the spine that runs vertically through the side of the spine
seizure
an interruption of the electrical activity in the brain that causes involuntary muscle movement and sometimes unconsciousness
Sternal border
Outer edge of the sternum