pericardial coelom
Quick Summary
The pericardial coelom is a space within the pericardium, the membranous sac that encloses the heart. This cavity normally contains a small amount of pericardial fluid, which lubricates the serous membranes as the heart beats.1
During embryonic development, the coelom is a single, closed cavity that regionally differentiates into the pericardial cavity (for the heart), pleural canals (for the lungs), and the peritoneal cavity (for abdominal organs). Membranes grow to partition these spaces, with the pericardium ultimately enclosing the heart. The pericardial coelom is derived from the mesoderm, one of the three primary germ layers formed during gastrulation.23
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
circulatory systemEmbryonic development of the circulatory system…of body cavity, called the pericardial coelom, formed by partitions that cut it off from the main body cavity. From an original tube shape, the heart bends back on itself as it grows within the pericardial cavity. The sinus venosus and atrium lie above the ventricle and bulbus cordis (embryonic…
Read More…of body cavity, called the pericardial coelom, formed by partitions that cut it off from the main body cavity. From an original tube shape, the heart bends back on itself as it grows within the pericardial cavity. The sinus venosus and atrium lie above the ventricle and bulbus cordis (embryonic…
Read More
human cardiovascular systemPericardium…the separation is called the pericardial cavity. The pericardial fluid lubricates the two membranes with every beat of the heart as their surfaces glide over each other. Fluid is filtered into the pericardial space through both the visceral and parietal pericardia.
Read More…the separation is called the pericardial cavity. The pericardial fluid lubricates the two membranes with every beat of the heart as their surfaces glide over each other. Fluid is filtered into the pericardial space through both the visceral and parietal pericardia.
Read More
