Epicardium and pericardium - structure, syntopy, pericardial reflections around roots of the great vessels, pericardial puncture (pericardiocentesis)
Epicardium: A single layer of epithelium, connective tissue and adipose tissue( contains blood vessels and nerves).The epicardium is the innermost component of the pericardium that comes into direct contact with the heart muscle, whereas the pericardium is the overall sac that protects and lubricates the heart.
Developed from the splanchnic mesoderm.
Pericardium: The pericardium is a sac-like structure that surrounds the heart. It consists of two primary layers: a robust, outer fibrous layer for protection and an inside, delicate serous layer. The serous layer is divided into two parts: the visceral layer, known as the epicardium, which attaches directly to the heart's surface, and the parietal layer, which lines the inner wall of the fibrous sac.
Developed from the somatic and splanchnic mesoderm.
It serves to aid low friction and gives stability.
Innervated by phrenic nerve.
Creates two folds acting as dorsal extensions of pericardial cavity:
- Transverse sinus: Beneath aorta and pulmonary trunk
- Oblique sinus: Between the four openings of the pulmonary veins
The pericardium is fixed at the central tendon of the diaphragm, posterior side of sternopericardial ligaments and at the bifurcation of the trachea via broncho pericardial membrane.
Pericarditis can lead to fluid in the pericardial cavity (pericardial effusion) and thus affects cardiac activity.
Pericardial puncture(Pericardiocentesis)
The procedure used to drain pericardial fluid (guided by ultrasound) via needle aspiration or placement of pericardial drain.
For example, for treating pericardial effusion or a cardiac tamponade
Citations:
[1]https://knyamed.com/blogs/difference-between/epicardium-vs-pericardium?srsltid=AfmBOoqp7v_-oInkDE8nTTJ7ZjK_oUCQR_l-IgAH0DzZeIk2YfMKVwye
