What is the function of pericardial fluid?

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Pericardial fluid mainly acts as a lubricant between the visceral layer that covers the heart and the parietal layer lining the pericardial sac. As the heart beats and changes shape, these two membranes slide past one another with very little friction, protecting the heart from irritation and reducing energy lost to rubbing. While the pericardial environment does help cushion the heart to some extent, the key role of the fluid itself is lubrication. The other options don’t describe the primary function: nutrients come from blood supply, heart rate is controlled by the nervous and hormonal systems, and cushioning is more about the sac and surrounding structures than the fluid’s main purpose.