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Ch. 20 The Heart
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 11th EditionCh. 20 The HeartProblem 3
Chapter 20, Problem 3

The serous membrane covering the outer surface of the heart is the:
(a) Parietal layer of the serous pericardium
(b) Endocardium
(c) Myocardium
(d) Visceral layer of the serous pericardium

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1
Step 1: Understand the structure of the serous pericardium, which is a double-layered membrane surrounding the heart. It consists of two layers: the parietal layer (outer) and the visceral layer (inner).
Step 2: Recognize that the visceral layer of the serous pericardium is also known as the epicardium, which directly covers the outer surface of the heart.
Step 3: Differentiate the other options: the endocardium lines the inner chambers of the heart, and the myocardium is the thick muscular middle layer responsible for contraction.
Step 4: Identify that the parietal layer of the serous pericardium lines the inner surface of the fibrous pericardium, not the heart itself.
Step 5: Conclude that the serous membrane covering the outer surface of the heart is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Serous Pericardium

The serous pericardium is a double-layered membrane surrounding the heart. It consists of the parietal layer lining the fibrous pericardium and the visceral layer, also called the epicardium, which directly covers the heart's outer surface.
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Locations of Serous Membranes

Layers of the Heart Wall

The heart wall has three layers: the endocardium (inner lining), myocardium (muscular middle layer responsible for contraction), and epicardium (outer layer, which is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium). Each layer has distinct structure and function.
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Epidermal Layers: Stratum Lucidum (Clear Layer)

Visceral vs Parietal Layers

The visceral layer of the serous pericardium adheres tightly to the heart surface, while the parietal layer lines the inner surface of the fibrous pericardium. The space between them contains fluid to reduce friction during heartbeats.
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Visceral Reflex Arcs
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The heart is surrounded by the:

(a) Pleural cavity

(b) Peritoneal cavity

(c) Abdominopelvic cavity

(d) Mediastinum

(e) Abdominal cavity

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Textbook Question

The simple squamous epithelium covering the heart valves is the:

(a) Epicardium

(b) Endocardium

(c) Myocardium

(d) Endothelium

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Textbook Question

The autonomic centers for cardiac function are located in:

(a) The myocardial tissue of the heart

(b) The cardiac centers of the medulla oblongata

(c) The cerebral cortex

(d) All of these structures

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Textbook Question

TThe great cardiac vein drains blood from the heart muscle to the:

(a) Left ventricle

(b) Right ventricle

(c) Right atrium

(d) Left atrium

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Textbook Question

The cardiac skeleton of the heart has which two of the following functions?

(a) It physically isolates the muscle fibers of the atria from those of the ventricles.

(b) It maintains the normal shape of the heart.

(c) It helps distribute the forces of cardiac contraction.

(d) It allows more rapid contraction of the ventricles.

(e) It strengthens and helps prevent overexpansion of the heart.

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