Which of the following lists the three layers of the heart?

The correct answer identifies the three layers of the heart as the epicardium, endocardium, and myocardium.

The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart, providing a protective layer and containing blood vessels that supply the heart. The myocardium is the muscular middle layer responsible for the contractile function of the heart, allowing it to pump blood effectively. The endocardium is the innermost layer that lines the heart chambers and valves, playing a crucial role in providing a smooth surface for blood flow.

In the context of the other choices, the pericardium is not one of the heart's three layers but is instead a protective sac surrounding the heart. It serves a different purpose, primarily involving lubrication and protection against infection. Additionally, the aorta is a major artery that transports oxygenated blood from the heart to the body, but it is not a layer of the heart itself. This distinction helps clarify why the choice listing the epicardium, endocardium, and myocardium is recognized as accurate.