Pericardial fluid is secreted by

Options

A. Myocardium
B. Perietal peritoneum
C. Visceral peritoneum
D. Pericardium

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the source of pericardial fluid. Pericardial fluid is the fluid found in the pericardial cavity, which surrounds the heart.

2. **Identifying the Heart Layers**: The heart has three main layers:
- Epicardium (or visceral pericardium): The outer layer that is in contact with the heart.
- Myocardium: The middle muscular layer responsible for heart contractions.
- Endocardium: The inner layer that lines the heart chambers.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Myocardium**: This is the muscular layer of the heart and does not secrete pericardial fluid.
- **Parietal Peritoneum**: This is the lining of the abdominal cavity and is not related to the heart.
- **Visceral Peritoneum**: This refers to the outer lining of abdominal organs and is also not related to the heart.
- **Pericardium**: This is the membrane surrounding the heart that consists of two layers: the visceral pericardium (inner layer) and the parietal pericardium (outer layer).

4. **Conclusion**: The pericardial fluid is secreted by the pericardium, specifically the visceral pericardium, which is the layer that directly contacts the heart.

**Final Answer**: Pericardial fluid is secreted by the visceral pericardium.

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