What is another name for the visceral pericardium?

• A. Epicardium
• B. Parietal pericardium
• C. Fibrous pericardium
• D. Serous pericardium

Answer: (A)

The visceral pericardium is the layer of serous pericardium that immediately covers the heart. Its other name is the epicardium, which is the heart’s outer surface. Serous pericardium has two layers: the visceral layer (epicardium) hugs the heart, and the parietal layer lines the inner surface of the fibrous pericardium, with a small pericardial cavity between them. The fibrous pericardium is the tough outer sac. So, the correct term for the visceral pericardium is epicardium because they are the same layer, just described from the perspective of the heart’s surface versus the enclosing sac.