Parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium.

Prepare for the Marieb Language of Anatomy Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions, flashcards, and explanations for each answer. Ace your exam with confidence!

The concept being tested is the two serous layers that surround the heart and where each sits. The pericardium has a parietal serous layer that lines the inner surface of the fibrous pericardium, forming the boundary of the pericardial cavity. The visceral serous layer, which is the epicardium when in contact with the heart, covers the heart itself. The small space between these two layers is the pericardial cavity, containing a little serous fluid to reduce friction as the heart beats. So the correct description is that the parietal pericardium lines the pericardial cavity and the visceral pericardium covers the heart. The idea that there isn’t a visceral layer doesn’t match the anatomy, since the heart is actually enclosed by this visceral layer.