The Pericardium

Question 1

Describe the pericardium

Answer 1

a fibroserous, fluid-filled sack that surrounds the muscular body of the heart and the roots of the great vessels

Question 2

What are the two layers of the pericardium?

Answer 2

fibrous pericardium and serous pericardium

Question 3

Which layer is continuous with the central tendon of the diaphragm and made of tough connective tissue?

Answer 3

fibrous pericardium

Question 4

What is the function of the pericardium?

Answer 4

rigid structure prevents rapid overfilling of the heart

Question 5

What are the two layers of the serous pericardium?

Answer 5

outer parietal layer, inner visceral layer

Question 6

What are both these layers comprised of?

Answer 6

a single sheet of epithelial cells, known as mesothelium.

Question 7

Found between the layers of the serous pericardium is the __________

Answer 7

pericardial cavity

Question 8

What is found in the pericardial cavity?

Answer 8

serous fluid, to minimise friction caused by the heart as it contracts

Question 9

What are the four main functions of the pericardium?

Answer 9

fixes heart in mediastinum, prevents overfilling, lubrication, protection from infection

Question 10

What structures does the pericardium attach to in order to fix the heart in the mediastinum?

Answer 10

diaphragm, sternum and tunica adventitia of great vessels

Question 11

Where is innervation of the pericardium from?

Answer 11

Phrenic nerve