<P> The visceral layer extends to the beginning of the great vessels (the large blood vessels serving the heart) becoming one with the parietal layer of the serous pericardium . This happens at two areas: where the aorta and pulmonary trunk leave the heart and where the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava and pulmonary veins enter the heart . </P> <P> In between the parietal and visceral pericardial layers there is a potential space called the pericardial cavity, which contains a supply of lubricating serous fluid known as the pericardial fluid . </P> <P> When the visceral layer of serous pericardium comes into contact with heart (not the great vessels) it is known as the epicardium . The epicardium is the layer immediately outside of the heart muscle proper (the myocardium). The epicardium is largely made of connective tissue and functions as a protective layer . During ventricular contraction, the wave of depolarization moves from the endocardial to the epicardial surface . </P> <Ul> <Li> Surrounds heart and bases of pulmonary artery and aorta . </Li> <Li> Deep to sternum and anterior chest wall . </Li> <Li> The right phrenic nerve passes to the right of the pericardium . </Li> <Li> The left phrenic nerve passes over the pericardium of the left ventricle . </Li> <Li> Pericardial arteries supply blood to the dorsal portion of the pericardium . </Li> </Ul>

Where is the pericardium attached to the heart