pericardium

Function

• a membrane of mesothelium & connective tissue covering the heart & origins of the great vessels.
• it forms a closed sac (pericardial space) from two layers:
  • serous pericardium adherent to the surface of the heart
  • parietal pericardium, consisting of fibrous tissue lined with a serous membrane
• pericardial fluid within the pericardial space provides lubricant between the two layers

Pathology

• effusion into the pericardial space (pericardial effusion)
• pericardial effusion if large enough can result in cardiac tamponade

More general terms

• serous membrane; serosa
• cardiovascular system structure

More specific terms

• fibrous pericardium

Additional terms

• layers of pericardium
• pericardial disease
• pericardial effusion
• pericardial fluid
• pericardial space

Component of

• heart

Components

• transverse sinus of pericardium (Theile canal)
• oblique sinus of pericardium