Pericardium

The pericardium is a double-layered sac that surrounds the heart to protect it and keep it in place. It helps to maintain the heart’s structure and anchoring points for the coronary arteries and veins. The pericardium also helps to minimize friction between the heart and the thoracic wall, enabling the heart to function more efficiently. In addition, the pericardium supports the diaphragm and mediastinal structures and separates them from the cardiac structures. It also plays a role in the production of lymphocytes for immunity. Damage to the pericardium can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure and cardiac tamponade, where the heart cannot fill with enough blood due to the pericardial fluid around it. Pericardial pathology can be treated through a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatments.