👉 The b-fluid, also known as pericardial fluid or cardiac effusion, is a clear or translucent liquid found in the space between the heart and its surrounding pericardium, the thin sac that envelops the heart. This fluid plays a critical role in lubricating the heart's movement within the chest cavity and reducing friction during cardiac contractions. Under normal conditions, b-fluid is produced by the pericardium and drained through the pericardial ostia, small openings that allow fluid to exit. However, when the balance between production and drainage is disrupted, b-fluid can accumulate abnormally, leading to conditions like pericarditis effusion or cardiac tamponade, which can significantly impact heart function and require medical intervention.
