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Layers of the Heart Wall

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The heart wall comprises three distinct layers: the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium. The outermost layer, the epicardium, is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, featuring a thin, transparent mesothelial surface and an inner layer of areolar connective tissue with fat deposits that increase with age.
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Anatomy of the Heart

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The heart is a hollow, muscular organ approximately the size of a fist, consisting of four chambers. It is enclosed in the pericardium, a fibrous sac with two layers: the visceral and parietal pericardium, separated by a fluid-filled space containing serous fluid to reduce friction.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

Published on: September 2, 2021

The Zamvar pericardial fold.

¹Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH14 1JJ, UK. zamvarv@hotmail.com.

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery

|September 14, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A newly identified pericardial fold, the "Zamvar" fold, aids in safe surgical procedures. This anatomical discovery enhances safety during off-pump coronary artery surgery by guiding suture placement.

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Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Anatomy
Surgical Anatomy
Pericardial Anatomy

Background:

A novel pericardial fold, termed the "Zamvar" fold, is described, originating from the parietal and fibrous pericardium.
This fold is specifically located over the left-sided pulmonary veins, measuring 1-3 mm in width.
No analogous structure is observed on the right side of the pericardium.

Discussion:

The Zamvar fold's anatomical description fills a gap in existing literature on pericardial anatomy.
Its unique location and structure are relevant for thoracic surgeons, particularly in cardiac procedures.
Understanding this fold is crucial for interpreting anatomical variations and planning surgical approaches.

Key Insights:

The Zamvar fold is an anatomical landmark formed by the folding of parietal and fibrous pericardium.
It extends between the inferior edge of the left inferior pulmonary vein and the superior edge of the left superior pulmonary vein.
This fold facilitates the safe placement of deep pericardial retraction sutures during off-pump coronary artery surgery.

Outlook:

Further research may explore the embryological development of the Zamvar fold.
Investigating the prevalence and variations of this fold in diverse populations is warranted.
Clinical studies could further validate the utility of the Zamvar fold in various cardiac surgical techniques.