Question

Heart covering is
A. Peritoneum
B. Pleural membrane
C. Pericardium
D. Visceral membrane

Answer 1

The heart is protected by a double-walled membrane, known as the pericardium. It encloses a cavity known as a pericardial cavity. This cavity consists of pericardial fluid. It protects the heart from any mechanical injury and shock.

Complete answer:

Option A- Peritoneum
The peritoneum is a serous membrane. In amniotes and some invertebrates, such as annelids, it is seen lining the abdominal cavity or coelom. It encircles most of the intra-abdominal (or coelomic) organs. It is composed mesothelium layer supported by a thin layer of connective tissue

Option B- Pleural membrane
The pleural membrane is a thin, moist, slippery membrane. It has two layers.
- The outer, or parietal, pleura lines are present inside of the rib cage and the diaphragm.
- The inner, visceral, or pulmonary, the layer is seen covering the lungs.
The intrapleural space lies between the two layers and normally contains fluid secreted by the membranes.

Option C- Pericardium
The pericardium is also called the pericardial sac. It is a double-walled sac comprising the heart and the roots of the great vessels. The pericardial sac possess two layers-
- Serous layer.
- Fibrous layer.
It encircles the pericardial cavity that contains pericardial fluid.

Option D- Visceral membrane
The visceral layer of the membrane surrounds the organs (the viscera). Avery thin, fluid-filled serous space or cavity is present between the parietal and visceral layers.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The pericardium, through its membranous function, shields the heart by reducing external friction. It acts as a barrier against the extension of infection and malignancy. Pericardium also anatomically fixes the heart, through its ligamentous function.