The outer layer of the heart wall is the epicardium.

The outer layer of the heart wall is the epicardium.

• A. Epicardium
• B. Endocardium
• C. Myocardium
• D. Pericardium

Answer: (A)

The outer layer of the heart wall is the epicardium. It is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium that covers the heart’s surface, lying directly on top of the myocardium and blending at the base with the parietal pericardium. The epicardium provides a smooth, protective surface and contains the coronary vessels that supply the heart muscle. Beneath it is the thick muscular middle layer, the myocardium, which does the beating, and the inner lining of the chambers, the endocardium. The pericardium as a whole surrounds the heart, with the parietal pericardium lining the outer sac and the epicardium forming the heart-facing surface.

The outer layer of the heart wall is the epicardium. It is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium that covers the heart’s surface, lying directly on top of the myocardium and blending at the base with the parietal pericardium. The epicardium provides a smooth, protective surface and contains the coronary vessels that supply the heart muscle. Beneath it is the thick muscular middle layer, the myocardium, which does the beating, and the inner lining of the chambers, the endocardium. The pericardium as a whole surrounds the heart, with the parietal pericardium lining the outer sac and the epicardium forming the heart-facing surface.