Heart - LO 3

3. Conceptualize the three layers of the heart wall.

There are three layers of the heart wall (from superficial to deep):

• Epicardium (visceral serous pericardium)

  • May be difficult to separate from the deep epicardial fat

    • Epicardial fat is varied in amount and distribution, but tends to collect in the coronary sulcus, anterior & posterior interventricular sulci, and around the origins of the great vessels

• Myocardium

  • Cardiac muscle

    • Majority of the heart wall and varies in thickness

• Endocardium

  • Internal layer of endothelium and connective tissue which lines internal chambers and valves