Epicardium

Encyclopedia : E : EP : EPI : Epicardium

Epicardium describes the outer layer of heart tissue (from Greek; epi- outer, cardium heart). When considered as a part of the pericardium, it is the inner layer, or visceral pericardium.

Its largest constituent is connective tissue and functions as a protective layer. The visceral pericardium apparently produces the pericardial fluid, which lubricates motion between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium.

During ventricular contraction, the wave of depolarization moves from endocardial to epicardial surface.

Cardiovascular system - Heart - [http://encycl.opentopia.com/ edit]
atria (interatrial septum) | ventricles (interventricular septum) | valves (chordae tendinae, papillary muscle)
right heart: (vena cavae, coronary sinus) → right atrium (fossa ovalis) → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonic valve
→ (pulmonary artery and pulmonary circulation)
left heart: (pulmonary veins) → left atrium → mitral valve → left ventricle → aortic valve
→ (aorta, aortic sinus and systemic circulation)
pericardium | epicardium | endocardium | myocardium
conduction system: cardiac pacemaker | Purkinje fibers | bundle of His | SA node | AV node

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