Which nerves are responsible for innervating the pericardium?

The nerves responsible for innervating the pericardium include the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and phrenic nerves. The pericardium is the fibrous sac that surrounds the heart, and its function and sensitivity to pain and other stimuli require a complex network of nerve supply.

The sympathetic nerves, arising from the sympathetic trunk, provide vasomotor control and can influence heart rate and contractility through their connections to the heart. The parasympathetic innervation, primarily from the vagus nerve, plays a critical role in regulating heart rate and promoting a state of rest and digest. Meanwhile, the phrenic nerve innervates the diaphragm and contributes sensory innervation to the pericardium, particularly the fibrous and parietal layers. It is essential for the perception of pain originating from the pericardium, which can be significant during pericarditis or other conditions affecting the heart.

The optic nerves are primarily involved in vision, while the median and musculocutaneous nerves are peripheral nerves that innervate parts of the arm and hand, lacking any role in the innervation of the pericardium.