Pericardium

Question 1

What is the pericardium?

Answer 1

A membrane that covers the the heart

Question 2

Where is the pericardium positioned?

Answer 2

Within the middle of the mediastinum of the thorax

Question 3

What are the two layers of the pericardium?

Answer 3

An outer fibrous layers and an inner thin serous layer

Question 4

Describe the fibrous pericardium

Answer 4

Outer layer, continuous with great vessels, rigid structure and blended inferiorly with the central tendon of the diaphragm

Question 5

Describe the serous pericardium

Answer 5

Contained within the fibrous pericardial sac, analogous to the pleural membrane (respiratory system) and double layer

Question 6

What is the visceral layer also known as?

Answer 6

Epicardium

Question 7

What is the visceral layer?

Answer 7

The inner layer of the serious pericardium

Question 8

What is the parietal layer?

Answer 8

The outer later of the serous pericardium which lines the fibrous pericardium

Question 9

What is the parietal layer used for?

Answer 9

A lubricating fluid which reduces the friction caused when the heart contracts

Question 10

What are the 4 functions of the pericardium?

Answer 10

Protection from infection, fixes the heart in the mediastinum and limits Motion, lubrications and prevents rapid overfilling of the heart

Question 11

Describe protection from infection of the pericardium

Answer 11

The fibrous later serves as a physical barrier between the muscular body of the heart and adjacent organs prone to infection

Question 12

Describe “fixes the heart in the mediastinum and limits its motion” in the pericardium

Answer 12

The pericardium is attached to the diaphragm, the sternum and the tunica adventitia of the great vessels

Question 13

Describe “lubrications” of the pericardium

Answer 13

The serous pericardium and the small amount of pericardial cavity reduces friction between the heart and

Question 14

Describe “prevents rapid overfilling of the heart” of the pericardium

Answer 14

The fibrous later of the pericardium prevents the heart from increasing in size too rapidly

Question 15

What the condition cardiac tamponade?

Answer 15

When blood or fluid accumulates in the pericardium

Question 16

What happens when you have cardiac tamponade?

Answer 16

Compresses the heart and prevents the ventricles from expanding fully

Question 17

What are some different processes that result from cardiac tamponade?

Answer 17

Associated with pericarditis, heart surgery and trauma

Question 18

What is pericarditis caused by?

Answer 18

Bacterial or viral infections

Question 19

What is usually performed in hospital if you have cardiac tamponade?

Answer 19

Pericardiocentesis

Question 20

What is pericardiocentesis?

Answer 20

Where fluid is drained from the pericardium in order to reduce the pressure

Question 21

What are some other associated causes that cause pericarditis?

Answer 21

A dissecting aortic aneurysm, end stage lung cancer or acute myocardial infarction

Question 22

What is a dissecting aortic aneurysm?

Answer 22

Where a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body’s main artery and blood rushes through the tear causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to split.

Question 23

What is acute myocardial infarction known as?

Answer 23

A heart attack