Pericardial fluid

A transverse section of the thorax, showing the contents of the middle and the posterior mediastinum. The pleural and pericardial cavities are exaggerated since normally there is no space between parietal and visceral pleura and between pericardium and heart.

Pericardial fluid is the serous fluid secreted by the serous layer of the pericardium into the pericardial cavity. The pericardium consists of two layers, an outer fibrous layer and the inner serous layer. This serous layer has two membranes which enclose the pericardial cavity into which is secreted the pericardial fluid. The fluid is similar to the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain which also serves to cushion and allow some movement of the organ.^[1]

^ Britannica encyclopedia: Pericardial fluid. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/451651/pericardial-fluid. [Accessed on 3rd Feb 2008]

[1] Britannica encyclopedia: Pericardial fluid. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/451651/pericardial-fluid. [Accessed on 3rd Feb 2008]

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