Which of the following correctly lists the layers that cover and surround the heart, from outermost to innermost?

• A. Fibrous pericardium, parietal pericardium, visceral pericardium (epicardium)
• B. Visceral pericardium (epicardium), parietal pericardium, fibrous pericardium
• C. Parietal pericardium, fibrous pericardium, visceral pericardium (epicardium)
• D. Epicardium, myocardium, endocardium

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of the heart and its coverings. The heart is surrounded by protective layers collectively called the pericardium, which consists of the fibrous pericardium and serous pericardium. Additionally, the heart wall itself has three layers: epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium.
2. Differentiate between the pericardium and the heart wall layers. The pericardium includes the fibrous pericardium (outermost layer) and the serous pericardium, which is divided into the parietal pericardium (outer layer of the serous pericardium) and visceral pericardium (inner layer of the serous pericardium, also called the epicardium). The heart wall layers are distinct and include the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium.
3. Focus on the question's requirement to list the layers surrounding the heart from outermost to innermost. The fibrous pericardium is the outermost layer, followed by the parietal pericardium, and then the visceral pericardium (epicardium). These layers are part of the pericardium.
4. Clarify that the epicardium (visceral pericardium) is both the innermost layer of the pericardium and the outermost layer of the heart wall. The myocardium (muscle layer) and endocardium (inner lining) are part of the heart wall, not the pericardium.
5. Compare the options provided in the question. The correct sequence of layers surrounding the heart, from outermost to innermost, is: fibrous pericardium, parietal pericardium, visceral pericardium (epicardium). Eliminate options that mix heart wall layers with pericardium layers or list them in the incorrect order.