Question

The heart is covered by a membrane called
A) Epidermis
B) Dermis
C) Epicardium
D) Pericardium

Answer 1

Heart is a muscular organ which is present behind and is tilted slightly to the left side of the breastbone.The heart is surrounded by a membrane which is double layered. It protects the heart.

Complete answer:
The thin sac surrounding the heart is called Pericardium. It is a serous membrane and is made up of two layers. The outer layer is called fibrous pericardium which is made of thick connective tissue. It is attached to the diaphragm and is responsible for holding the heart in place in the chest cavity. It also protects our heart from infections. The inner layer is called serous pericardium which helps in lubrication of the heart. It is divided into further two layers called the visceral and parietal layer. Between the two layers of heart there is a fluid filled pericardial cavity.

Let us analyze the options to find out the correct option.
Option A: Epidermis is the outermost layer which protects the skin from infections and outer environment. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option B: Dermis is the layer present beneath the epidermal layer of skin. It provides strength and flexibility to the skin. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option C: Epicardium is an inner layer of the pericardium. It is an additional protection layer for the heart. It is made up of connective tissue. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option D: Pericardium is a fibrous membrane that encloses the heart and its vessels. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Hence the correct answer is option (D) Pericardium.

Note: Functions of pericardium:
i) It provides lubrication to the heart.
ii) It keeps the heart in position in a fixed position in the chest cavity.
iii) It provides protection to the heart from all infections.
iv) It prevents overfilling of blood in the heart and also overstretching.
v) The membrane keeps the heart separated from lungs and other mediastinal structures.