Pericardium

Question 1

What are Layers of pericardium? (3)

Answer 1

1. Fibrous pericardium
2. Parietal layer of serous pericardium
3. Visceral layer of serous pericardium

Question 2

What are the features of fibrous pericardium? (4)

Answer 2

• Continuous superiorly with tunica adventitia (outer most layer) of the
  great vessels
• Attached anteriorly to the posterior surface of the sternum by
  sternopericardial ligaments
• Bound posteriorly by loose connective tissue to structures in the
  posterior mediastinum
• Continues inferiorly with the central tendon of the diaphragm

Question 3

What are the features of Parietal layer of serous pericardium?

Answer 3

• Fused with internal surface of fibrous pericardium

Question 4

What are the features of the Parietal layer of serous pericardium?

Answer 4

• Fused with internal surface of fibrous pericardium

Question 5

What are the features of the Visceral layer of serous pericardium? (3)

Answer 5

1. Reflected onto heart where it forms epicardium
2. Becomes continuous with the parietal layer of serous pericardium
   o Where the SVC, IVC and pulmonary veins enter the heart
   o Where the aorta and pulmonary trunk leave the heart
3. Pericardial cavity separates the 2 serous layers and has a thin film of fluid

Question 6

What are the Layers of the heart wall? (3)

Answer 6

• Epicardium- thin mesothelium formed by visceral serous pericardium
• Myocardium- thick, helical muscle layer
• Endocardium- thin inner layer that also covers valves

Question 7

What are the Pericardial sinuses? (2)

Answer 7

• Transverse pericardial sinus
• Oblique pericardial sinus

Question 8

Where is the Transverse pericardial sinus located?

Answer 8

o Located between the aorta and pulmonary trunk
anteriorly and the left atrium and SVC posteriorly

Question 9

What does the Transverse pericardial sinus connect?

Answer 9

o Connects the 2 sides of the pericardial cavity

Question 10

Where is the Oblique pericardial sinus located? (2)

Answer 10

o Located between the pulmonary veins and IVC
posteriorly and the left atrium anteriorly
o A blind-ending sinus

Question 11

Pericardial arterial supply: (3)

Answer 11

• Internal thoracic aa.
• Pericardiophrenic aa.
• Musculophrenic aa.

Question 12

Pericardial venous drainage:

Answer 12

Internal thoracic vv.

Question 13

Pericardial innervation: (3)

Answer 13

• Phrenic nn. (C3-C5)- sensory
• Vagus nn.- parasympathetic
• Sympathetic trunks- vasomotor fibers

Question 14

What is the applied anatomy of the pericardium?

Answer 14

Applied anatomy: pericarditis
* Inflammation usually causing chest pain and referred pain to C3-C5 dermatomes (top of the shoulder)