Which layer forms the outer surface of the heart wall and is the visceral pericardium?

Which layer forms the outer surface of the heart wall and is the visceral pericardium?

• A. Epicardium
• B. Endocardium
• C. Myocardium
• D. Pericardium

Answer: (A)

The outer surface of the heart wall is formed by the epicardium, which is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium. This layer hugs the heart itself, sitting on top of the myocardium. The serous pericardium has two layers: the visceral layer (epicardium) and the parietal layer, with a small pericardial cavity between them that contains fluid to reduce friction as the heart beats. The other layers have different roles: the myocardium is the thick muscular middle layer that contracts to pump blood, the endocardium lines the inner chambers, and the pericardium as a whole is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart.

The outer surface of the heart wall is formed by the epicardium, which is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium. This layer hugs the heart itself, sitting on top of the myocardium. The serous pericardium has two layers: the visceral layer (epicardium) and the parietal layer, with a small pericardial cavity between them that contains fluid to reduce friction as the heart beats. The other layers have different roles: the myocardium is the thick muscular middle layer that contracts to pump blood, the endocardium lines the inner chambers, and the pericardium as a whole is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart.