Which nerve innervates the fibrous pericardium?

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Multiple Choice

Which nerve innervates the fibrous pericardium?

Explanation:
Fibrous pericardium is innervated by somatic sensory fibers carried by the phrenic nerve. The phrenic nerve, stemming from C3–C5, runs along the pericardium in the middle mediastinum and supplies motor to the diaphragm as well as sensory innervation to the parietal serous pericardium and the fibrous layer. This somatic innervation explains why pericardial pain is often referred to the shoulder region (C3–C5 dermatomes). In contrast, autonomic nerves like the vagus and sympathetic trunk mainly innervate the heart itself, not the fibrous pericardium, and the glossopharyngeal nerve does not supply this structure.

Fibrous pericardium is innervated by somatic sensory fibers carried by the phrenic nerve. The phrenic nerve, stemming from C3–C5, runs along the pericardium in the middle mediastinum and supplies motor to the diaphragm as well as sensory innervation to the parietal serous pericardium and the fibrous layer. This somatic innervation explains why pericardial pain is often referred to the shoulder region (C3–C5 dermatomes). In contrast, autonomic nerves like the vagus and sympathetic trunk mainly innervate the heart itself, not the fibrous pericardium, and the glossopharyngeal nerve does not supply this structure.

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