Cardiovascular Physiology 4 Flashcards
What is the Pericardium?
A fibrous sac surrounding the heart and roots of great vessels
What are the great blood vessels?
- Aorta
- Vena Cava
- Pulmonary trunk
How does the Pericardium stabilize the heart in the thoracic cavity?
It attaches the heart to the costal cartilage, diaphragm and the sternum and limits the hearts movement
How does the Pericardium protect the heart from trauma and infection?
It protects the heart from trauma by being a fluid filled sac
How does the Pericardium reduce friction as the heart beats?
By secreting the pericardial fluid that lubricates the layers of the heart as it contracts and twists in the pericardial space
How does the Pericardium limit the overfilling the heart chambers?
It does not stretch very easily preventing the rapid increase of cardiac size
How many layers does the Pericardium have?
Three
What is the outer layer of the Pericardial sac called?
The fibrous pericardium
What does the Fibrous pericardium do?
- Provides protection from the heart
* Stabilizes the heart in the thoracic cavity
How does the Fibrous Pericardium stabilize the heart?
By attaching to various structures outside the heart
What is the fibrous pericardium composed of?
Connective tissue
What limits the distensibility of the Fibrous Pericardium?
Connective tissue
What two layers make up the Serous Pericardium?
- Parietal pericardium
* Visceral pericardium
What is a Serous layer?
A layer composed of cells that secrete a fluid
Where does the Parietal Pericardium lie?
Underneath the visceral pericardium and is attached to it
