What kind of membrane is the pericardium

Pericarditis is the term for inflammation in the pericardium, typically due to infection. Pericarditis is often a severe disease because it can constrict and apply pressure on the heart and work against its normal function. Pericarditis comes in many types depending on which tissue layer is infected.

Learning Objectives Distinguish between the fibrous and serous layers of the pericardium. Key Points The pericardium is a mesothelium tissue of the thoracic cavity which surrounds the heart. The outer layer, the fibrous pericardium, is comprised of dense connective tissue that protects the heart, anchors it to the surrounding walls, and prevents it from overfilling. The inner layer of the pericardium, the serous pericardium, is further divided into two layers, an outer parietal layer and an inner visceral layer with the pericardial cavity in between the two layers.

The serous pericardium functions to lubricate the heart with pericardial fluid, which is stored in the space between the parietal and visceral layers.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, often due to infection, which can constrict and put harmful pressure on the heart. Key Terms fibrous pericardium : Composed of dense connective tissue which protects the heart, anchors it to the surrounding walls, and prevents the heart from overfilling with blood. Fibrous Pericardium The fibrous pericardium is the outer layer of the pericardium. The layer of rubber covering your hand is analogous with the visceral layer, the inside of the balloon is analogous to the pericardial cavity, and the outer layer of the balloon not in contact with your hand is equivalent to the parietal pericardium.

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the serous pericardium of the heart. It results in an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity, which effects the pattern of beating in the heart. A massively increased amount of fluid in the pericardial cavity will result in the heart not being able to fill properly, meaning it will be unable to propel blood around the body in its normal manner.

This condition is called cardiac tamponade , and will often require the fibrous pericardium to be surgically opened in order to remove the excess fluid.

Back to Basic Heart Anatomy. Essential Cardiology pp Cite as. The pericardium is the name given to the membranes which cover the heart. It is a double layer forming a closed sac. The layer which covers the heart is called the epicardium and consists of a glistening smooth surface of epithelium attached to the heart by connective tissue.

Around the veins and arteries entering the heart this membrane is turned back over itself and the smooth epithelial surface is continued to cover the heart with a second layer called the pericardium. The movements of the beating heart are made easier by this double layer, which is lubricated by serous fluid just like the pleura and the peritoneum.

The space between the layers of pericardium is called the pericardial sac and corresponds to the pleural cavity of the lung covering and the abdominal cavity of the peritoneum.