Pericardia is the plural form of pericardium, which refers to the sac-like structure that surrounds the heart. This structure has two thin layers of tissue and holds the heart in place, protecting it from infection and malignancy.
Understanding the Pericardium
The pericardium is vital to heart function and protection. Here's a more detailed look:
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Structure: It consists of two layers:
- Fibrous Pericardium: The tough, outer layer that anchors the heart within the chest and prevents overexpansion.
- Serous Pericardium: The inner layer, further divided into two layers:
- Parietal Layer: Lines the fibrous pericardium.
- Visceral Layer (Epicardium): Adheres directly to the heart.
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Function:
- Protection: Shields the heart from infection and trauma.
- Lubrication: The space between the parietal and visceral layers contains a small amount of fluid (pericardial fluid) that reduces friction as the heart beats.
- Prevention of Overexpansion: The fibrous pericardium limits the heart's ability to overexpand, preventing it from becoming too large.
- Positioning: Helps to maintain the heart's position in the chest cavity.
Pericardial Diseases
Because of the pericardium's important role, diseases affecting it can be serious. The most common of these is pericarditis.
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Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium. This can be caused by infection (viral, bacterial, fungal), autoimmune disorders, heart attack, surgery, trauma, and certain medications. The reference material defines Pericarditis as "inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like structure with two thin layers of tissue that surround the heart to hold it in place and help protect it from damage from infection and malignancy. A small amount of fluid keeps the layers separate so there's less friction between them as the heart beats."
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Pericardial Effusion: Accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardial space. This can put pressure on the heart, leading to cardiac tamponade.
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Cardiac Tamponade: A life-threatening condition where the heart is compressed due to the buildup of fluid in the pericardial space, preventing it from filling properly.
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Constrictive Pericarditis: A chronic condition where the pericardium becomes thickened and scarred, restricting the heart's ability to expand.
In summary, "pericardia" refers to multiple pericardiums, though generally the term "pericardium" is used even when discussing potential issues impacting both sides of the heart. The pericardium is a vital structure protecting and supporting the heart.
