What is the Difference Between Myocardium and Pericardium?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The myocardium and pericardium are two distinct layers of the heart, serving different functions:
- Myocardium: This is the heart muscle, which makes up the middle and thickest layer of the heart wall. The myocardium is composed of cardiomyocytes, which have unique structures and properties, and are responsible for the contractile function of the cardiac pump. The myocardium is thicker in the ventricles due to the greater hydrostatic pressure they must overcome when pumping blood.
- Pericardium: This is a folded fibrous connective tissue layer that encompasses the entire heart. The pericardium serves to protect the heart and consists of two layers: the epicardium (visceral layer) and the parietal pericardium (outer layer). The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart and is actually the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, which adheres to the myocardium. The pericardial sac, formed by the parietal pericardium, is filled with serous pericardial fluid that prevents friction during heart contractions.
In summary, the myocardium is the muscle layer responsible for the heart's contractile function, while the pericardium is a protective layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds the heart and prevents friction during contractions.
Comparative Table: Myocardium vs Pericardium
The myocardium and pericardium are two distinct layers of the heart, each with its own structure and function. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:
| Feature | Myocardium | Pericardium |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Forms the bulk of the heart muscle, responsible for heart contractions and relaxations | A protective layer made of fibrous connective tissue that encloses the heart and prevents friction during contractions |
| Histological Composition | Composed of cardiomyocytes, which are rich in glycogen deposits and mitochondria | Composed of a blend of loose and dense irregular connective tissue with some elastic fibers |
| Location | Middle layer of the heart, between the epicardium and endocardium | Outermost layer of the heart, enclosing the entire heart and its roots |
| Thickness | Thicker in the ventricular walls, particularly in the left ventricular wall | Thinner than the myocardium and the innermost layer of the heart |
| Sublayers | Divided into three sublayers: subepicardial, interventricular septal-ventricular, and opposite arterial walls | No sublayers, formed by a single layer of fibrous connective tissue |
In summary, the myocardium is the muscular layer of the heart responsible for its contractions and relaxations, while the pericardium is a protective layer of fibrous connective tissue that encloses the heart and prevents friction during contractions.
- Myocarditis vs Pericarditis
- Myocarditis vs Cardiomyopathy
- Visceral vs Parietal Pericardium
- Mediastinum vs Pericardial Cavity
- Endocarditis vs Myocarditis
- Endocarditis vs Pericarditis
- Contractile Myocardium vs Autorhythmic Myocardium
- Cardiomegaly vs Cardiomyopathy
- Myocardial Infarction vs Cardiac Arrest
- Pericardial Effusion vs Cardiac Tamponade
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy vs Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Angina Pectoris vs Myocardial Infarction
- Ischemic Heart Disease vs Myocardial Infarction
- Smooth Muscle vs Cardiac Muscle
- Angina vs Myocardial Infarction
- Atria vs Ventricles
- Cardiomyopathy vs Congestive Cardiac Failure
- Perichondrium vs Periosteum
- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy vs Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy