The Pericardium and Layers of the Heart

Question 1

identify the three parts of the pericardium from superficial to deep

Answer 1

fibrous pericardium
parietal pericardium
visceral pericardium

Question 2

the pericardial cavity lies between which two layers?

Answer 2

parietal pericardium
visceral pericardium

Question 3

the heart wall itself is composed of which three layers? what are they composed of?

Answer 3

1. an inner endocardium composed of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium.
2. a middle myocardium composed of many layers of cardiac muscle.
3. an outer epicardium composed of a single layer of simple squamous epithelium.

Question 4

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

Answer 4

visceral pericardium.

Question 5

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

Answer 5

parietal pericardium

Question 6

what protective role is fulfilled by the fibrous pericardium?

Answer 6

It holds the heart in place and prevents over-expansion.

Question 7

What causes cardiac tamponade?

Answer 7

Occurs when excess fluid accumulates within the pericardial cavity as a result of a wide variety of pathophysiological factors.

Question 8

describe the innervation of the visceral pericardium?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Which pericardial layers are innervated by the phrenic nerve?

Answer 9

parietal and fibrous pericardium

Question 10

which layers of the percardium are innervated by pain fibres?

Answer 10

parietal and fibrous layers

Question 11

describe the arterial supply of the fibrous and parietal pericardium.

Answer 11

recieves blood from the internal thoracic artery (a branch of the subclavian artery).

Question 12

describe the arterial supply of the visceral pericardium

Answer 12

recieves blood from the coronary arteries of the heart.