fibrous pericardium

Function

• protect the heart relatively tethered in place inside the fibrous sac

Structure

the tough external sac of the double-walled fibroserous sac (pericardium)

• bound to the central tendon of diaphragm by the pericardiacophrenic ligament
• bound posteriorly, by loose connective tissue to structures in the posterior mediastinum
• anteriorly, attached to the sternum by the sternopericardial ligament

More general terms

• pericardium

Additional terms

• layers of heart
• serous pericardium