2. Located in the middle mediastinum
It’s a double walled fibroserous membrane
Fibrous pericardium “embryological origin”,
collagen and elastic fibers
Serous pericardium “mesothelium”
partial
visceral “epicardium”
Pericardial fluid volume & pressure
The functions of the
pericardium:
• Maintains the position
of the heart
• Barrier to infections
• Lubrication between
visceral and partial
layers
9. Attachments
Superiorly tunica adventitia (perivascular
connective tissue)
Inferiorly to the diaphragm
Sternum attachment
Posterior by loose connective tissue
Affected by their movement
10. Arterial Supply
Mainly from the pericardiophrenic artery
Smaller contribution from the
Musclophrenic artery
Bronchial artery
Esophageal
Superior phrenic artery
Coronary artery supplies the visceral layer ONLY