Epicardium

Epicardium (heart muscle) is one of the three main layers of the heart wall. It is the outermost layer of the heart, composed of connective tissue and fat. The connective tissue secretes a small amount of lubricating fluid into the pericardial cavity.

In addition to the connective tissue and fat, the epicardium is lined by, on its outer surface, simple epithelial cells.

Epicardium Media

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  A transverse section of the thorax, showing the contents of the middle and the posterior mediastinum. The pleural cavity and the pericardial cavity are exaggerated since normally there is no space between the pleurae or between the pericardium and heart. Pericardium is also known as cardiac epidermis.

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  Illustration of the pericardial sac and the sac when inflamed

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  Anatomical dissections

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  Cytology of the normal mesothelial cells that line the pericardium, with typical features. Wright's stain.

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  3D still showing the pericardium layer.