Which of the following terms refers to the outermost layer covering the heart?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option C
The outermost layer covering the heart is known as the Epicardium. To understand this better, let's briefly review the layers of the heart wall:
1. Endocardium: This is the innermost layer, lining the interior of the heart chambers and valves. It provides a smooth surface for blood flow inside the heart.
2. Myocardium: This is the thick, muscular middle layer of the heart responsible for the heart’s contractile function. It enables the heart to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
3. Epicardium: This is the outermost layer of the heart wall itself. It is a thin layer that also forms part of the visceral layer of the pericardium. The epicardium plays a role in protecting the heart and contains blood vessels, nerves, and fat.
4. Pericardium: This is a double-walled sac surrounding the heart and the roots of the great vessels. It consists of two layers — the fibrous pericardium (outer layer) and the serous pericardium (which has a parietal layer lining the fibrous layer and a visceral layer that is the epicardium).
In summary, while the pericardium surrounds the heart externally, the actual outermost layer covering the heart wall itself is the epicardium.
Key point:
- The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall.
- The pericardium is the protective sac enclosing the heart but is not part of the heart wall.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd Edition, Chapter 7 – The Heart / Pages 380-385
1. Endocardium: This is the innermost layer, lining the interior of the heart chambers and valves. It provides a smooth surface for blood flow inside the heart.
2. Myocardium: This is the thick, muscular middle layer of the heart responsible for the heart’s contractile function. It enables the heart to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
3. Epicardium: This is the outermost layer of the heart wall itself. It is a thin layer that also forms part of the visceral layer of the pericardium. The epicardium plays a role in protecting the heart and contains blood vessels, nerves, and fat.
4. Pericardium: This is a double-walled sac surrounding the heart and the roots of the great vessels. It consists of two layers — the fibrous pericardium (outer layer) and the serous pericardium (which has a parietal layer lining the fibrous layer and a visceral layer that is the epicardium).
In summary, while the pericardium surrounds the heart externally, the actual outermost layer covering the heart wall itself is the epicardium.
Key point:
- The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall.
- The pericardium is the protective sac enclosing the heart but is not part of the heart wall.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd Edition, Chapter 7 – The Heart / Pages 380-385
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