This medical exhibit depicts thoracic aortic dissection with pericardial tamponade in a series of illustrations. Labeled blood vessel layers include the tunica adventitia (outer layer), tunica media (middle layer) and tunica intima (inner layer). Shows the intimal layer tear progressing from a balloon-like structure in the aortic arch to a rupture of the proximal aorta with bleeding into the pericardial cavity. This condition, pericardial (cardiac) tamponade, is life-threatening and greatly reduces the heart's ability to function.