Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Epicardium
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Epicardium describes the outer layer of heart tissue (from Greek; epi- outer, cardium heart). When considered as a part of the pericardium, it is the inner layer, or visceral pericardium.
Its largest constituent is connective tissue and functions as a protective layer. The visceral pericardium apparently produces the pericardial fluid, which lubricates motion between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium.
During ventricular contraction, the wave of depolarization moves from endocardial to epicardial surface.
External links
External links
- Histology at University of Southern California cv/c_63
- http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/embryology/cvs/heart_tube.html
- Template:UMichAtlas – “MRI of chest, lateral view”
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]