Szívhártya

Szívhártya, also known as the pericardium, is a double-layered sac that surrounds the heart. The outer layer is called the fibrous pericardium, a tough, inelastic sac that anchors the heart and prevents it from overfilling. The inner layer is the serous pericardium, which is further divided into two layers: the parietal layer, which lines the fibrous pericardium, and the visceral layer, which adheres directly to the surface of the heart, also known as the epicardium. Between these two layers of the serous pericardium is the pericardial cavity, a space containing a small amount of pericardial fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the two layers as the heart beats. The primary functions of the szívhártya are to protect the heart, anchor it within the chest cavity, prevent excessive stretching, and reduce friction. Inflammation of the szívhártya is called pericarditis.