- Epicardium
Infobox Anatomy
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Latin = lamina visceralis pericardii serosi
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Caption = A transverse section of the thorax, showing the contents of the middle and the posterior mediastinum. The pleural and pericardial cavities are exaggerated since normally there is no space between parietal and visceral pleura and between pericardium and heart.
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DorlandsPre = l_02
DorlandsSuf = 12476850Epicardium describes the outer layer of
heart tissue (from Greek; "epi-" outer, "cardium" heart). When considered as a part of thepericardium , 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 thepericardial fluid , which lubricates motion between the inner and outer layers of thepericardium .During ventricular contraction, the wave of depolarization moves from endocardial to epicardial surface.
External links
* http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/embryology/cvs/heart_tube.html
* - "MRI of chest, lateral view"
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