Final answer:
The correct answer is C. epicardium. The visceral pericardium, known also as the epicardium, is one of the layers of the heart and directly covers the myocardium, secreting serous fluid to reduce friction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The visceral pericardium is also known as the epicardium. It is one of the layers of the heart and the pericardium. The pericardium, or pericardial sac, which separates the heart from other mediastinal structures, is composed of two distinct, fused sublayers: the fibrous pericardium and the serous pericardium. The serous pericardium further subdivides into the parietal pericardium and the visceral pericardium.
The visceral pericardium, also known as the epicardium, directly covers the myocardium. This outer layer of cells is a macroscopic layer that consists of a simple squamous epithelium known as mesothelium. It secretes a lubricating serous fluid that fills the pericardial cavity and reduces friction during heart contractions.
The visceral pericardium is also known as the epicardium. The pericardium consists of two distinct sublayers: the fibrous pericardium and the inner serous pericardium. The inner visceral pericardium, or epicardium, is fused to the heart and surrounds it.