pericardium n : a double-layered serous membrane that surrounds the heart [also: pericardia (pl)]

English

Noun

1. In the context of "anatomy|cardiology": A serous membrane that surrounds the heart allowing it to contract.

Synonyms

• heart sac
• theca cordis

Derived terms

• pericardiac
• pericardial
• pericarditis

See also

• endocardium
• myocardium

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

Layers

There are two layers to the pericardial sac: the fibrous pericardium and the serous pericardium. The serous pericardium, in turn, is divided into two layers, the parietal pericardium, which is fused to and inseparable from the fibrous pericardium, and the visceral pericardium, which is in fact epicardium, or the outer surface of the heart muscle (the myocardium).

In between the parietal and visceral pericardial layers there is a potential space called the pericardial cavity. It is normally lubricated by a film of pericardial fluid. Too much fluid in the cavity (such as in a pericardial effusion) can result in pericardial tamponade, compression of the heart within the pericardial sac.

Diseases/Abnormalities

• Pericarditis resulting in pericardial friction rub
• Pericardial effusion which may lead to monkeys

cardiac tamponade.

Additional images

External links

• - "Mediastinum: Pericardium (pericardial sac)"
• ()