Organ
Serous pericardium
Continuous parietal and visceral surfaces around the heart
High-yield
Parietal serosa lines the sac; visceral serosa covers the heart. They are continuous at the vascular reflections.
Overview
The serous pericardium lines the fibrous sac and reflects onto the heart as the visceral layer, or epicardial surface. Reflections around the great vessels create the pericardial sinuses. A thin fluid layer between the opposing surfaces reduces friction during cardiac motion.
Reference facts
- Location
- On the inner fibrous sac and outer cardiac surface
- Parts
- Parietal and visceral layers joined by reflections around the great vessels
- Blood supply
- Parietal supply follows pericardial thoracic branches; the visceral layer is associated with coronary circulation
- Innervation
- Phrenic sensory fibers serve the parietal layer; cardiac autonomic networks serve the visceral layer
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Regional veins accompany arterial supply; lymphatic pathways contribute substantially to pericardial fluid removal
- Function
- Provides a low-friction interface and participates in pericardial fluid exchange
Clinical correlation
Inflammation can produce a pericardial rub and alter fluid balance. Fluid accumulation and restricted filling are related possibilities, but an effusion does not automatically mean tamponade.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the serous pericardium located?
On the inner fibrous sac and outer cardiac surface.
What does the serous pericardium do?
Provides a low-friction interface and participates in pericardial fluid exchange.
What are the parts of the serous pericardium?
The parts of the serous pericardium are the parietal and visceral layers joined by reflections around the great vessels.
What is the blood supply of the serous pericardium?
Parietal supply follows pericardial thoracic branches; the visceral layer is associated with coronary circulation.