What is attached to the heart directly?

The heart is directly attached to several key structures, including the major blood vessels: the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart, and the superior and inferior vena cavae, which return deoxygenated blood to the heart. Additionally, the pulmonary arteries and veins connect the heart to the lungs for gas exchange. The heart is also surrounded by a protective sac called the pericardium, which helps anchor it in place.