• fibrous connective tissue
• prevents over-distension
• anchors heart

• double layer
  • parietal pericardium (lines fibrous pericardium)
  • visceral pericardium (surface of heart muscle)

• serous fluid
• w/in pericardial cavity
• reduces friction

serous membrane

covers heart

epicarditis

cardiac muscle tissue

involuntary

myocarditis

lines chambers, valves, and tendons

simple squamous epithelium

endocarditis

superior chambers

right and left

interatrial septum

fossa ovalis

inferior chambers

right and left

interventricular septum

left wall thicker

separates [chambers] and [chambers and arteries]

direct blood flow

prevent backflow

3 flaps

separates right atrium and right ventricle

2 flaps

separates left atrium and left ventricle

3 valves

separates right ventricle and pulmonary artery

3 flaps

separates left ventricle and aorta

control valves

relax: open

contact: closed

specialized muscle tissue that:

generates & distributes electrical impulses

stimulates cardiac  muscles to contract

can be recorded on ECG(EKG)