PERICARDIAL SPACE Meaning and
Definition
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The pericardial space is a small, fluid-filled cavity located between the parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium, a double-layered membrane that surrounds and protects the heart. The pericardium acts as a protective sac, preventing the heart from rubbing against adjacent structures and providing lubrication to aid in smooth cardiac movement.
The pericardial space is crucial for maintaining the heart's function and integrity. It contains a small amount of fluid called pericardial fluid, which acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the two layers of the pericardium. This fluid is secreted by the serous membrane lining the pericardium, ensuring smooth movement of the heart during contractions and relaxations.
The pericardial space serves as a shock absorber, cushioning the heart against external forces or trauma. This protection is vital to prevent potential damage to the heart muscle or surrounding structures from mechanical stress.
Moreover, the pericardial space enables proper expansion and contraction of the heart during each heartbeat. It provides the necessary space for the heart to fill with blood during diastole (relaxation phase) and effectively pump out blood during systole (contraction phase).
In summary, the pericardial space is a fluid-filled cavity between the parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium. It plays a significant role in reducing friction, protecting against trauma, and facilitating the heart's proper functioning.
Common Misspellings for PERICARDIAL SPACE
- oericardial space
- lericardial space
- -ericardial space
- 0ericardial space
- pwricardial space
- psricardial space
- pdricardial space
- prricardial space
- p4ricardial space
- p3ricardial space
- peeicardial space
- pedicardial space
- peficardial space
- peticardial space
- pe5icardial space
- pe4icardial space
- perucardial space
- perjcardial space
- perkcardial space
Etymology of PERICARDIAL SPACE
The word "pericardial" comes from the New Latin term "pericardium", which is derived from the Greek words "peri" (meaning around or surrounding) and "kardia" (meaning heart). The term "pericardium" refers to the membranous sac that surrounds and protects the heart.
The word "space" has its roots in Old French and Latin, "espace" and "spatium" respectively, both of which mean an interval or gap. In the context of the term "pericardial space", it refers to the cavity or area between the layers of the pericardium, which contains a small amount of fluid that allows for smooth movement of the heart within the sac.
Similar spelling words for PERICARDIAL SPACE
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