noun
- the membrane that surrounds and protects the heart
Usage: medical
Examples
- The pericardium consists of two layers that protect the heart.
- Inflammation of the pericardium is called pericarditis.
- The surgeon carefully examined the pericardium during the operation.
- Fluid can sometimes accumulate between the layers of the pericardium.
- The pericardium helps keep the heart in position within the chest cavity.
- Medical students learn about the pericardium in anatomy class.