Blood Flow through the Heart

Layers of the Pericardium

Pericardium

• Framework of connective tissue to protect heart

Fibrous Pericardium

• Outermost layer
• Dense

Serous pericardium

• Two thin smooth layers
• Parietal that clings to fibrous pericardium
• Visceral that adheres to heart surface

Serous Fluid

• The pericardial space separates the visceral and parietal layers
• The space contains 10-20 millilitres of fluid that acts as a lubricant on the surfaces of the pericardium and as a cushion around the heart