The pericardium Flashcards
What section of the thorax is the pericardium?
The middle mediastinum
What are the two main layers of the pericardium?
Fibrous and serous layers.
What is the fibrous pericardium layer blended with inferiorly?
The central tendon of the diaphragm.
Which is the outer layer of the pericardium?
Fibrous layer
What is the fibrous pericardium continuous with?
The great vessels.
What are the two layers of the serous pericardium?
Visceral and parietal
What is another word for visceral pericardium
Epicardium. This is also the outer layer of the hear
What is between the two serous layers?
The pericardial cavity
What is the pericardium attatched to?
The sternum, diaphragm and outer layer of the great vessels.
What are the functions of the pericardium?
Protection from infection, lubrication, fixes the heart in place, prevents rapid overfilling of the heart.
What does the fluid in the pleural cavity do?
reduces friction caused when the heart contracts
What is cardiac tamponade?
blood or fluid accumulates in the pericardium. this compresses the heart and prevents proper filling.
