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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Ch. 20 The Heart
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology26
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Level of Organization34
- Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization30
- Ch. 4 The Tissue Level of Organization24
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System17
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure36
- Ch. 7 The Axial Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 The Appendicular Skeleton17
- Ch. 9 Joints13
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue12
- Ch. 11 The Muscular System28
- Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue18
- Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes22
- Ch. 14 The Brain and Cranial Nerves20
- Ch. 15 Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System17
- Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions30
- Ch. 17 The Special Senses16
- Ch. 18 The Endocrine System20
- Ch. 19 Blood31
- Ch. 20 The Heart31
- Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation29
- Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity31
- Ch. 23 The Respiratory System12
- Ch. 24 The Digestive System18
- Ch. 26 The Urinary System31
- Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes32
- Ch. 28 The Reproductive System12
- Ch. 29 Development and Inheritance23
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
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
Verified step by step guidance1
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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Guided course
3:55
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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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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Related Practice
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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