Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 19 - Section 19.1 - Overview of the Cardiovascular System - Before You Go On - Page 710: 2

Answer

If the pericardial sac fits too tightly around the heart, then the heart would not be able to expand fully and the pumping action wouldn't be as effective. If the pericardial sac fails to secrete pericardial fluid, then there will be an increase in friction between the sac and the heart, which would cause pain.

Work Step by Step

If the pericardial sac fits too tightly, then the heart doesn't have enough room to expand. Failure to fully expand will result in less blood filling and moving through the heart. The heart may pump faster in an attempt to move the same volume as normal. Pericardial fluid is important to reduce friction. If there is no pericardial fluid, then the friction will be increased from normal and each heartbeat will be painful.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.