Pericardium Flashcards
What does the heart lie within?
A fibrous pericardial sac.
What is the pericardial sac fused superiorly with?
The great vessels. (Aorta and pulmonary trunk)
What is the pericardial sac blended inferiorly with?
The central tendon of the diaphragm .
What is the tough fibrous outer layer of the pericardial sac called? And what’s it’s function?
The fibrous pericardium and it protects the heart against sudden over filling by physically preventing overexpansion.
What is the internal surface of the fibrous pericardium lined with?
A serous membrane which passes onto the surface of the heart to provide a continuous membrane surrounding the fluid filled pericardial cavity.
What is the pericardial cavity?
The fluid filled space between the two layers of the pericardium.
