Definition

1. Noun:
   • A serous membrane with two layers that surrounds the heart: The pericardium is a double-walled sac made of a tough outer fibrous layer and a delicate inner serous layer, which contains a small amount of fluid to lubricate the heart's movements.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Inflammation of the pericardium is called pericarditis.
  • The surgeon carefully incised the pericardium to access the heart.
  • The primary function of the pericardium is to protect and lubricate the heart.

Advanced Usage

• "Pericardial" (adjective): Relating to or of the pericardium.
  • The patient underwent a pericardiocentesis to drain fluid from the pericardial space.
• "Pericardiectomy" (noun): The surgical removal of part or all of the pericardium.
  • A pericardiectomy may be performed to treat constrictive pericarditis.

Variants and Related Words

• Pericardial cavity: The potential space between the two layers of the serous pericardium, containing pericardial fluid.
• Pericarditis: Medical condition referring to inflammation of the pericardium.
• Pericardial effusion: An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity.

Synonyms

• Heart sac: A less common, descriptive synonym for the pericardium.
• Pericardial sac: Another term emphasizing its sac-like structure.

Related Phrases

• To drain the pericardium: A medical procedure to remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac.
  • The doctor needed to drain the pericardium to relieve pressure on the heart.
• Pericardial rub: A medical sign, a scratching sound heard with a stethoscope, caused by friction between inflamed layers of the pericardium.
  • The physician detected a pericardial rub during the examination.

Noun

1. a serous membrane with two layers that surrounds the heart