Serous pericardium
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The serous pericardium is deeper than the fibrous pericardium. It contains two layers, both of which function in lubricating the heart to prevent friction from occurring during heart activity:
- The layer next to the fibrous pericardium is the parietal layer.
- The layer deep to the fibrous pericardium is the visceral layer.[1] When this layer comes into contact with the heart (not the great vessels), it is known as the epicardium.
Together these two layers form a continuous uninterrupted membrane. Between these two layers exists a small cavity called the pericardial cavity, which contains a supply of serous fluid. The serous fluid that is found in this space is known as the pericardial fluid.
References
External links
- Template:NormanAnatomy (Template:NormanAnatomyFig)
- Template:UMichAtlas - "Chest X-ray showing pericardium, posteroanterior view"
- Template:UMichAtlas - "MRI of chest, lateral view"