Which pericardial layer is directly in contact with the myocardium?

Which pericardial layer is directly in contact with the myocardium?

• A. Visceral layer of serous pericardium
• B. Parietal layer of serous pericardium
• C. Fibrous pericardium
• D. Endocardium

Answer: (A)

The layer directly contacting the heart muscle is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, also called the epicardium. This layer adheres to the surface of the myocardium, wrapping the heart itself. The parietal layer lines the fibrous pericardium, and the space between the two serous layers is the pericardial cavity containing a small amount of fluid to reduce friction during beating. The fibrous pericardium is the tough outer layer that anchors and protects the heart, not the layer touching the muscle. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart chambers, not a pericardial layer.

The layer directly contacting the heart muscle is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, also called the epicardium. This layer adheres to the surface of the myocardium, wrapping the heart itself. The parietal layer lines the fibrous pericardium, and the space between the two serous layers is the pericardial cavity containing a small amount of fluid to reduce friction during beating. The fibrous pericardium is the tough outer layer that anchors and protects the heart, not the layer touching the muscle. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart chambers, not a pericardial layer.