Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam 2025 - Free Patient Care Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The middle layer of the heart is called the myocardium. This layer is primarily composed of cardiac muscle tissue, which is essential for the heart's ability to contract and pump blood throughout the body. The myocardium is responsible for the forceful contractions of the heart that facilitate circulation, making it a critical component of the cardiovascular system.

The endocardium, which is the innermost layer, lines the chambers of the heart and covers the heart valves, serving as a smooth surface to reduce friction as blood flows through. The pericardium, on the other hand, is a protective fibrous sac that surrounds the heart, providing structural support and protecting it from infection and trauma. The epicardium is the outer layer of the heart wall, also known as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, and is involved in the function of the heart's protective and lubricative layers.

Understanding the anatomical structure of the heart and the roles of each layer is vital for anyone involved in patient care, as it provides insight into the heart's function in health and disease.