Parietal Pericardium in Cats: Location, Attachments & Function

The feline parietal pericardium is a fibroserous sac enclosing the heart:

• Ventral attachments: Diaphragm (central tendon), sternum (via sternopericardial ligaments)
• Dorsal attachments: Vertebral column (T4–T7), mediastinum
• Base: Continuous with adventitia of great vessels (aorta, pulmonary trunk, venae cavae)

Pericardial Sinuses

• Transverse sinus: Between arterial (aorta, pulmonary trunk) and venous (venae cavae) vessels at heart base
• Oblique sinus: Cul-de-sac behind left atrium, bounded by pulmonary veins

Functions

• Mechanical protection
• Lubrication (serous fluid)
• Anchoring heart position
• Preventing overdilation
• Barrier to infection spread

Similar to human anatomy but with species-specific mediastinal relationships.