key term - Myocardium

Definition

The myocardium is the thick, muscular layer of the heart wall, composed of cardiac muscle cells that allow it to contract and pump blood throughout the body. It is situated between the outer epicardium and the inner endocardium layers of the heart.

Related terms

Cardiac muscle: Specialized muscle tissue found only in the heart that contracts rhythmically and involuntarily to pump blood.

Epicardium: The thin, outermost layer of the heart wall that serves as a protective layer covering the myocardium.

Endocardium:

The smooth inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, which helps in reducing resistance to blood flow within the heart