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Which layer of the pericardium is directly attached to the heart muscle?

A.

Myocardium

B.

Fibrous pericardium

C.

Serous pericardium (visceral layer)

D.

Parietal pericardium

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Myocardium:
 The myocardium is the muscular layer of the heart, not part of the pericardium.

B. Fibrous pericardium:
 The fibrous pericardium is the outer tough layer that anchors the heart in the thorax; it is not directly attached to the heart muscle.

C. Serous pericardium (visceral layer):
 The visceral layer of the serous pericardium, also called the epicardium, lies directly on the heart muscle, providing lubrication and a smooth interface between the heart and the pericardial cavity.

D. Parietal pericardium:
 The parietal layer lines the inner surface of the fibrous pericardium but is separated from the myocardium by the pericardial cavity.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. It supplies oxygenated blood to the heart:
The coronary sinus does not supply blood; this is the role of coronary arteries.

B. It supplies the interventricular septum with oxygenated blood:
The interventricular septum is supplied mainly by the left anterior descending artery, not the coronary sinus.

C. It drains deoxygenated blood from the myocardium:
The coronary sinus collects deoxygenated blood from the cardiac veins and empties it into the right atrium, completing the venous return from the myocardium. This is essential for maintaining myocardial oxygen balance.

D. It regulates coronary blood flow:
Coronary blood flow is regulated by autonomic control and local metabolic demand, not by the coronary sinus.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. To increase blood volume and systemic vascular resistance:
The RAAS system increases blood pressure by two main mechanisms: angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction, raising systemic vascular resistance, and aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention, increasing blood volume. Together, these actions restore perfusion pressure in hypotensive states.

B. To decrease heart rate and reduce cardiac output:
RAAS does not directly affect heart rate; it works primarily on vascular tone and fluid retention, not cardiac chronotropy.

C. To regulate oxygen levels in the blood:
Oxygen sensing is mainly controlled by chemoreceptors, not RAAS.

D. To control nerve impulses to the heart:
RAAS does not directly regulate cardiac conduction or nerve impulses; it acts on vascular smooth muscle and renal sodium retention.

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