The Pericardium and layers of the Heart wall

Question 1

pericardium

Answer 1

covering the heart

Question 2

pleura

Answer 2

covering the pleura

Question 3

peritoneum

Answer 3

covering abdominal viscera

Question 4

what does the pericardium, pleura, peritoneum consist of

Answer 4

similar outer parietal and inner visceral (serous) layers

Question 5

what type of epithelial makes up pericardium, pleura, peritoneum

Answer 5

simple epithelium

Question 6

what is the essential difference between pericardium, pleura, peritoneum

Answer 6

in addition to its two pericardial serous membranes, an outermost,
thick, fibrous connective tissue layer – the fibrous pericardium

Question 7

parts of the pericardium

Answer 7

Question 8

identify the three parts of the pericardium from superficial to deep

Answer 8

Superficial: fibrous pericardium

Intermediate: parietal pericardium

Deep: visceral pericardium

Question 9

The pericardial cavity lies between which 2 of the layers

Answer 9

parietal and visceral

Question 10

The heart wall is itself composed of:

Answer 10

inner epicardium composed of a single layer of mesothelium epithelium

middle myocardium composed of many layers of cardiomyocytes muscle

outer endocardium composed of a single layer of endothelial cell, left atrium has a thicker endocardium because of high pressure from the pulmonary veins epithelium

Question 11

Which pericardial layer also forms a part of the heart wall?

Answer 11

serous pericardium

Question 12

Which layer of the serous pericardium is inseparably attached to the inner aspect of the fibrous pericardium

Answer 12

parietal serous pericardium

Question 13

What protective role is fulfilled by the fibrous pericardium

Answer 13

It holds your heart in place in the chest cavity and protects from infections prevents your heart from expanding too much. It attaches to your great vessels (at the top of your heart) and to the central tendon of your diaphragm (at the bottom of your heart).

Question 14

when does cardiac tamponade occur

Answer 14

when excess fluid accumulates within the pericardial cavity as a result of a wide variety of pathophysiological factors. The increased pressure exerted by the excess fluid on the heart wall impedes the normal filling of the heart, and, at its most severe, can lead to cardiac failure.

Question 15

describe innervation of visceral pericardium

Answer 15

autonomic innervation from T1 –T4 nerves and vagus via the cardiac plexus (same as the heart wall itself)

Question 16

describe innervation of parietal and fibrous layers

Answer 16

innervated mainly by the phrenic nerve.

Question 17

where is the phrenic nerve embedded in relation to the heart

Answer 17

The phrenic nerve is embedded in the fibrous pericardium on the lateral side of the heart.

Question 18

Which layer/s of the pericardium are innervated by pain fibres

Answer 18

fibrous pericardium and the parietal part of the serosal pericardium are supplied by the phrenic nerve.

The visceral pericardium is insensitive; therefore, the pain from the pericardium originates in the parietal layer only and is transmitted by the phrenic nerve

Question 19

where does the fibrous and parietal pericardium receive blood from

Answer 19

internal thoracic artery (a branch of the
subclavian artery).

Question 20

where does the visceral pericardium (= the epicardium) receives blood from

Answer 20

the coronary arteries of the heart

Question 21

pericardium

Answer 21

double walled sac
contains heart, pericardial fluid, roots of great vessels

Question 22

middle mediasteinum

Answer 22

one layer fibrous tissue
one layer serous tissue

Question 23

pericardium function

Answer 23

lubricate moving surfaces of the heart

Question 24

outer layer of pericardium

Answer 24

fibrous
dense connective tissue

Question 25

pericardial attachements

Answer 25

central tendon of diaphragm via pericardiacophrenic ligament

fibres emerge with tunica adventitia of vessels which enter and exit the heart

Question 26

pericardial sac attachment

Answer 26

sternum via ligamentous fibres

due to these attachments sac is affected by movements of heart/great vessels/ diaphragm

Question 27

inner layer of pericardium

Answer 27

serous layer / parietal layer direct contact with pericardial fluid

Question 28

mesothelial layer type of epithelium

Answer 28

simple squamous epithelium

reflects onto root of great vessels / runs directly over external surfaces of the heart

Question 29

location of pericardial cavity

Answer 29

between parietal and visceral layers of serous pericardium

Question 30

what is the function of thin layer of pericardial fluid

Answer 30

allows for the surfaces to be lubricated and rub without friction

Question 31

sinuses of heart

Answer 31

oblique, transverse

Question 32

transverse sinus

Answer 32

extends transversely across pericardium and in-between roots of great vessels posterior to aorta and pulmonary trunk and anterior to superior vena cava

Question 33

oblique sinus

Answer 33

posterior part of pericardium bordered laterally by (between R&L) pulmonary veins and inferiorly by inferior vena cava

Question 34

blood supply of pericardium

Answer 34

pericardiacophrenic arteries and internal thoracic arteries (responsible for venous drainage)

Question 35

innervation of pericardium

Answer 35

phrenic nerves
sensory fibres control pain
sensation
sympathetic trunk
vasomotor fibres