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Anatomy and Physiology of the Pericardium

Brian D Hoit1

  • 1Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Case Western Reserve University, Harrington Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-5038, USA.

Cardiology Clinics
|October 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The pericardium, a protective sac around the heart, has subtle yet vital functions. Its roles in mechanical support and fluid balance become crucial during heart enlargement or volume overload.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Background:

  • The pericardium is a double-layered sac surrounding the heart, comprising a visceral epicardium and a fibrous parietal layer.
  • It contains a potential space normally holding up to 50 mL of plasma filtrate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the essential, though often overlooked, functions of the pericardium.
  • To categorize the diverse roles of the pericardium in cardiovascular health and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pericardial structure and function.
  • Analysis of the pericardium's physiological contributions in various hemodynamic states.

Main Results:

  • The pericardium, while not essential for survival, provides critical mechanical and physiological support.
  • Its functions are particularly significant in hypervolemic conditions and acute cardiac enlargement.

Conclusions:

  • The pericardium's functions can be classified into mechanical, reflex, membranous, metabolic, and ligamentous categories.
  • Understanding these roles is key to appreciating its importance in maintaining cardiac homeostasis.

Keywords:
HemodynamicsMesotheliumPericardiumVentricular interaction

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