Ultrastructure of the Pericardium

A. Transmission electron micrograph of mesothelial cells from the pericardium shows abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes, scant mitochondrial, glycogen particles  and intercellular junctions.  Microvilli are abundant and increase the surface area of the cell for fluid secretion and absorption.   On the abluminal side of the mesothelial cells there is a thin basal lamina anchoring these cells to the extracellular matrix of either the fibrous pericardium of the epicardium. 
B and C. The microvilli  well demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, showing the highly increased exchange surface of each individual mesothelial cell.

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