pericardium, visceral The double inner layer of the pericardium. One layer of the visceral pericardium closely adheres to the heart, and the other lines the inner surface of the outer (parietal) pericardium. The intervening space is filled with pericardial fluid. Also known as epicardium.
pericardium, parietal The tough, thickened outer layer of the pericardium. The parietal pericardium loosely cloaks the heart and is attached to the central part of the diaphragm and the back of the breastbone.
pericardium The conical sac of fibrous tissue that surrounds the heart and the roots of the great blood vessels. The pericardium consists of an outer coat (the parietal pericardium) attached to the central part of the diaphragm and the back of the breastbone and a double inner coat (the visceral pericardium, or epicardium), with one…
pericarditis Inflammation of the lining around the heart (the pericardium) that causes chest pain and accumulation of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion). There are many causes of pericarditis, including infections, injury, radiation treatment, and chronic diseases.
pericardial tamponade See tamponade, cardiac.
pericardial sac See pericardium.
pericardial effusion Too much fluid within the pericardium, which normally contains a small amount of serous, pale yellow fluid.
pericardial Referring to the pericardium, the sac of fibrous tissue that surrounds the heart.
periaortic Around the aorta. For example, periaortic lymph nodes are lymph nodes around the aorta.
perianal abscess A local accumulation of pus that forms next to the anus, causing tender swelling in that area and pain on defecation.
perianal Located around the anus, the opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.
peri- Prefix meaning around or about, as in pericardial (around the heart) and periaortic lymph nodes (lymph nodes around the aorta).