The fibrous pericardium protects the heart, anchors it to surrounding structures, and prevents overfilling of the heart with blood. It is the tough, dense connective tissue outer layer of the pericardial sac.

According to the text, the fibrous pericardium is the loosely fitting superficial part of the pericardial sac. It is a tough, dense connective tissue layer that serves three functions: it protects the heart, anchors the heart to surrounding structures, and prevents overfilling of the heart with blood.

Key points

The fibrous pericardium is the superficial, tough connective tissue layer of the pericardium.
It protects the heart.
It anchors the heart to surrounding structures.
It prevents overfilling of the heart with blood.

What is the function of the fibrous pericardium?