The pericardium is a fibroserous sac that encloses the heart and the roots of the great vessels. It provides mechanical support, limits overexpansion of the heart, and reduces friction during cardiac movements. Located within the middle mediastinum, the pericardium occupies a central position in the thoracic cavity, posterior to the sternum and anterior to the vertebral column. Learn about the pericardium , a protective, fibroserous sac that encloses the heart and its great blood vessels. Find out its layers, functions, embryological relations, and clinical significance. The pericardium layers can be classified into the fibrous pericardium and the serous pericardium , each with unique anatomical characteristics and functions. The fibrous pericardium is the outermost layer.
