Serous pericardium
Encyclopedia
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:
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
.
Fibrous pericardium
The fibrous pericardium is the most superficial layer of the pericardium. It is made up of dense connective tissue, a loose connective tissue which acts to protect the heart, anchoring it to the surrounding walls, and preventing it from overfilling with blood...
. It contains two layers, both of which function in lubricating the heart to prevent friction from occurring during heart activity:
- The layer adherent to the fibrous pericardium is the parietal layer.
- The layer deep to the fibrous pericardium is the visceral layer. When this layer comes into contact with the heart (not the great vesselsGreat vesselsGreat vessels is a term used to refer collectively to the four large vessels that bring blood to and from the heart. These are:*Superior vena cava*Inferior vena cava*Pulmonary artery*AortaAll four pulmonary veins are considered apart of the great vessels...
), it is known as the epicardiumEpicardiumEpicardium describes the outer layer of heart tissue . When considered as a part of the pericardium, it is the inner layer, or visceral pericardium, continuous with the serous layer....
.
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
Serous fluid
In physiology, the term serous fluid is used for various bodily fluids that are typically pale yellow and transparent, and of a benign nature, that fill the inside of body cavities. Serous fluid originates from serous glands, with secretions enriched with proteins and water. Serous fluid may also...
. The serous fluid that is found in this space is known as the pericardial fluid
Pericardial fluid
Surrounding the heart is a sac known as the pericardium, which consists of two membranes. The outer layer being the fibrous parietal pericardium and the inner layer being the serous visceral pericardium. It is the serous visceral pericardium that secretes the pericardial fluid into the pericardial...
.