Middle mediastinum - pericardium (dave's notes) Flashcards
Describe the pericardium
A fibrous sac enclosing the heart and great vessels
What vessels does the pericardium fuse with?
All of them except the IVC
What is the broad base of the pericardium in contact with?
It overlies the central tendon (??Both from septum transvedsum)
What are the ligaments of the pericardium?
Weak sternopericardial ligaments
What is the blood supply to the pericardium?
The pericardiophrenic artery and the internal thoracic artery
What lines the fibrous pericardium?
Serous pericardium. This is reflected around to enclose the viscera.
What is found between the parietal and visceral layers of pericardium?
The transverse and oblique sinuses.
Where is the oblique sinus? What does it allow?
A cul-de-sac between the two left and two right pulmonary veins and the IVC. Permits pulsation of the left atrium.
Where is the transverse sinus? What does it result from ?
Results from the dorsal mesocardium breaking down. Is behind the aorta and pulmonary trunk, and infront of the SVC and the left auricle.
What separates the transverse and oblique sinuses?
A double fold of pericardium
What is the nerve supply to the pericardium?
The phrenic nerve supplies both the visceral and parietal layers. The visceral layer is insensitive.
What transmits myocardial pain?
Sympathetic nerves
What transmits pericardial pain?
The phrenic nerve.
