PERICARDIUM

The 'pericardium' is a double-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels.

Contents

Layers

Diseases/Abnormalities

Additional images

External links

Layers

There are two layers to this sac: the fibrous pericardium and the serous pericardium. The serous pericardium, in turn, is divided into two layers; in between these two layers there is a potential space called the pericardial cavity.
The 'fibrous pericardium' is the most superficial layer. It is a dense connective tissue, protecting the heart, anchoring it to the surrounding walls, and preventing it from overfilling with blood. It is continuous with the outer adventitial layer of the neighboring great blood vessels.
The 'serous pericardium' is deeper than the fibrous pericardium. It contains two layers, both of which function in lubricating the heart to prevent friction from occurring during heart activity.

★ The layer next to the fibrous pericardium is the parietal layer.

★ The layer deep to the fibrous pericardium is the visceral layer. When this layer comes into contact with the heart (not the great vessels), it is known as the epicardium.
Together these two layers form a continuous uninterrupted membrane. Between these two layers exists a small cavity called the pericardial cavity, which contains a supply of serous fluid.The serous fluid that is found in this space is known as the pericardial fluid.

Diseases/Abnormalities

★ Pericarditis

★ Pericardial effusion which may lead to cardiac tamponade.

Additional images

External links

★ - "Mediastinum: Pericardium (pericardial sac)"

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