pericardium
Last reviewed 01/2018
The pericardium is the superficial, multi-layered sac investing the heart. Apart from the points of passage of vessels, it covers the whole of the organ. The inner layers form a potential space filled with a small amount of serous fluid that acts to lubricate the movement of the heart.
Other important functions include:
- prevention of deformation and dislocation
- provision of a barrier to the spread of infection around the heart