The thin outer layer of the cardiac wall, also described as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, is the?

The thin outer layer of the cardiac wall, also described as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, is the?

• A. Epicardium
• B. Myocardium
• C. Endocardium
• D. Pericardium

Answer: (A)

The outer, thin layer of the heart wall is the epicardium. It is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, meaning it directly covers the heart’s surface. This layer sits atop the thicker muscular middle layer, the myocardium, and below the parietal layer of the serous pericardium. The endocardium lines the inner chambers. The epicardium helps protect the heart and provides a surface that reduces friction with the pericardial fluid as the heart beats.

The outer, thin layer of the heart wall is the epicardium. It is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, meaning it directly covers the heart’s surface. This layer sits atop the thicker muscular middle layer, the myocardium, and below the parietal layer of the serous pericardium. The endocardium lines the inner chambers. The epicardium helps protect the heart and provides a surface that reduces friction with the pericardial fluid as the heart beats.