Pericardial sinus

Pericardial sinus is a part of the human heart anatomy, specifically within the pericardium, which is the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels. The pericardial sinus is a space within this sac that is typically divided into two parts: the transverse pericardial sinus and the oblique pericardial sinus.

Etymology

The term "pericardial sinus" is derived from the Greek words "peri," meaning around, "kardia," meaning heart, and "sinus," a Latin term for bay or pocket. Thus, the term essentially refers to a pocket around the heart.

Anatomy

The transverse pericardial sinus is a space posterior to the aorta and pulmonary artery, but anterior to the superior vena cava. It is formed during the embryonic development as the heart folds on itself.

The oblique pericardial sinus is a larger space located posterior to the heart, bounded laterally by the pulmonary veins and the pericardium that covers the inferior vena cava.

Clinical significance

The pericardial sinus is not typically visible or accessible in a normal heart, but it can be accessed during cardiac surgery. The transverse pericardial sinus, in particular, is used as a route for surgeons to place a ligature around the great vessels in procedures such as a coronary artery bypass graft.

Related terms

• Pericardium: The double-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels.
• Sinus (anatomy): A sac or cavity in any organ or tissue.
• Coronary artery bypass graft: A surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart.

See also

• Heart
• Cardiac surgery

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