Epicardium describes the outer layer of heart tissue (from Greek; epi- outer, cardium heart). When considered as a part of the pericardium, it is the inner layer, or visceral pericardium.

Its largest constituent is connective tissue and functions as a protective layer. The visceral pericardium apparently produces the pericardial fluid , which lubricates motion between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium.