Cardiovascular: Anatomy - Pericardium

Question 1

What is the pericardium?

Answer 1

Fibroserous membrane covering the heart and beginnings of its great vessels

Question 2

Layers of the pericardium

Answer 2

Fibrous

Serous (parietal and visceral)

Question 3

Describe the histology of the serous pericardium

Answer 3

Mesothelium (simple squamous epithelial cells of mesodermal origin)

Question 4

Describe the anatomy of the fibrous pericardium

Answer 4

Continuous superiorly with tunica adventitia of great vessels, and pretracheal layer of deep cervical fascia
Attached anteriorly via sternopericardial ligaments to posterior surface of sternum
Attached posteriorly via loose connective tissue to structures in posterior mediastinum
Continuous inferiorly with central tendon of diaphragm (pericardiacophrenic ligament)

Question 5

Describe the embryonic events which lead to the formation of the pericardium

Answer 5

Embryonic heart invaginates wall of serous sac and obliterates pericardial cavity, leaving only a potential space between the serous pericardial layers

Question 6

How does the fibrous pericardium protect the heart from sudden overfilling?

Answer 6

It is inelastic and closely related to the great vessels

Question 7

What forms the epicardium?

Answer 7

Visceral layer of the serous pericardium

Question 8

Name the two pericardial sinuses

Answer 8

Transverse pericardial sinus

Oblique pericardial sinus

Question 9

Anatomy of transverse pericardial sinus

Answer 9

Bounded anteriorly by serous pericardium covering posterior aorta and pulmonary trunk, bounded posteriorly by serous pericardium covering anterior SVC, and inferiorly by visceral pericardium covering atria

Question 10

Anatomy of oblique pericardial sinus

Answer 10

Reflection of pericardium around the SVC, IVC and pulmonary veins