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Fibrous Pericardium. Continuous with the central tendon of the diaphragm, the fibrous pericardium is made of tough connective tissue and is relatively non-distensible. This rigidity prevents rapid overfilling of the heart, but can have several serious clinical consequences (see cardiac tamponade).
The pericardium has several functions: The pericardium is divided into three layers: The pericardial cavity lies between the visceral pericardium and the parietal pericardium. This cavity is filled with pericardial fluid which serves as a shock absorber by reducing friction between the pericardial membranes. Pericarditis is a disorder of the pericardium in which the pericardium becomes swollen or inflamed. Some causes of pericarditis include bacterial or viral infections, cancer, and hear attack.