Pericardial Branches

Pericardial branches (rami pericardiaci) are branches that extend from the pericardium and provide its blood supply. The pericardium is the lining of the heart that protects it from external influences and ensures normal heart function.

Pericardial branches arise from the aorta and pulmonary artery, and their number may vary depending on the individual's anatomy. They can be both large and small, and provide blood supply to the pericardium, heart and adjacent tissues.

The blood supply to the heart occurs through the pericardial branch, which provides nutrition to the heart and pericardium. It also supplies blood to surrounding tissues such as the lungs and esophagus.

Some of the major pericardial branches include:

– Right pericardial branch (ramus pericardiacus dexter) - arises from the aorta, supplies the heart and pericardium on the right
– Left pericardial branch (ramus pericardiacus sinister) - arises from the pulmonary artery and supplies the heart, pericardium and lungs
– Middle pericardial branch (ramus medianus pericardi) - departs from the aortic arch and supplies the pericardium, heart and adjacent tissues
– Pericardial-pulmonary branch (ramus pulmonalis pericardii) - departs from the pulmonary artery and provides blood supply to the lungs

Pathology of the pericardial branch can cause various diseases, such as pericarditis, myocardial infarction and others. Therefore, it is important to know the anatomy and blood supply of the pericardial system in order to understand how it works and what risks may be associated with its disorders.