1. The inner aspect of the pericardium is described as the outer cell layer of
the heart and is known as epicardium.
2. The middle layer of the heart is cardiac muscle.
3. The inner layer of the heart is endocardium, which is continuous with the
endothelium of all blood vessels.
a. inflammation of endocardium is endocarditis
b. inflammation of heart valve is valvular endocarditis
4. Blood vessels provide for a continuous route for blood leaving the heart to
return to the heart.
5. arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins
a. arteries more elastic
b. small arteries have some portion of elastic tissue replaced by
smooth muscle – helps to regulate blood flow to capillary beds