Organ
Fibrous pericardium
The connective-tissue sac surrounding the heart
High-yield
The phrenic nerves travel along the lateral pericardial surfaces, between the fibrous sac and mediastinal pleura.
Overview
A tough outer pericardial layer surrounds the heart and proximal great vessels. It is attached to the central tendon below and blends with connective tissue around the great vessels above. A serous lining covers its inner face, allowing the heart to move against a lubricated surface.
Reference facts
- Location
- Around the heart and proximal great vessels in the middle mediastinum
- Parts
- Dense connective tissue attached to the diaphragm and great-vessel coverings, with sternal connections
- Blood supply
- Mainly pericardiacophrenic branches, with additional nearby thoracic arterial contributions
- Innervation
- Sensory supply chiefly through the phrenic nerves
- Relations
- Mediastinal pleura and the phrenic neurovascular bundles lie along its sides
- Function
- Limits excessive displacement and acute expansion while supporting the heart within the mediastinum
Clinical correlation
A stiff, scarred pericardium can restrict cardiac filling. Rapid fluid accumulation within the sac can also impair filling, even without the large volumes possible in a slowly expanding effusion.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the fibrous pericardium located?
The fibrous pericardium lies around the heart and proximal great vessels in the middle mediastinum.
What does the fibrous pericardium do?
Limits excessive displacement and acute expansion while supporting the heart within the mediastinum.
What are the parts of the fibrous pericardium?
The parts of the fibrous pericardium are the dense connective tissue attached to the diaphragm and great-vessel coverings, with sternal connections.
What is the blood supply of the fibrous pericardium?
Mainly pericardiacophrenic branches, with additional nearby thoracic arterial contributions.