The pericardium is suspended posteriorly by
a continuous network of ligament from the
bodies of all vertebrae C4—T4, and anteriorly
to the posterior surface of the sternum by
two ligamentous local thickenings of the
mediastinum at the levels of the third and
fifth ribs. Pericardial support ligament
strains produced by whiplash or other
impact injuries are frequently expressed as
low cervical and upper thoracic stiffness
and pain.