A tough, double-walled sac that surrounds and protects the heart, containing a small amount of fluid that reduces friction as the heart beats. It consists of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer.
From Greek 'peri' meaning around and 'kardia' meaning heart, literally 'around the heart.' The term has remained unchanged since ancient Greek physicians first described this protective heart covering.
Your pericardium is like a custom-fitted protective suit for your heart! It's so tough that even if your heart swells from disease, the pericardium won't stretch much, which can actually compress the heart - a life-threatening condition called cardiac tamponade.
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