Structures of the heart

Question 1

What membrane is the heart surrounded by?

Answer 1

Pericardium

Question 2

What is pericardium made up of?

Answer 2

Two sacs known as fibrous pericardium & serous pericardium
Closely connected

Question 3

What is fibrous pericardium?
What is the function of this?

Answer 3

Tough layer made of connective tissue
Function - prevent overstretching of the heart
Provides protection & holds heart in place

Question 4

What is serous pericardium?

Answer 4

Thinner, more delicate layer
Forms double layer around the heart

Question 5

How many parts is the fibrous & serous pericardium divided into? What are these?

Answer 5

2 parts
Parietal pericardium (outer layer)
Visceral pericardium (epicardium)

Question 6

What is the parietal pericardium fused to?

Answer 6

Fibrous pericardium

Question 7

What does the visceral pericardium do?

Answer 7

Adheres tightly to surface of the heart

Question 8

What film of fluid is between parietal & visceral layer?

Answer 8

Pericardial fluid

Question 9

What does pericardial fluid do?

Answer 9

Reduces friction between membranes

Question 10

What is the space called that contains pericardial fluid?

Answer 10

Pericardial cavity/sac
So small it’s not generally considered a space at all