Endothelial tissue Flashcards
What is endothelial tissue?
The inner lining of blood vessels.
What is a risk factor?
Any factor that leads to an increases risk of getting a disease.
What is atherosclerosis?
The buildup of cholesterol in the artery walls which narrows the artery walls which causes plaque and therefore the arteries to narrow reducing blood flow through it.
What are symptoms of atherosclerosis in the coronary artery? (3)
Arrythmia, pain/pressure in upper body, shortness of breath.
What are symptoms of atherosclerosis in the arteries that deliver blood to the brain?
(6)
Numbness/weakness in arms/legs, hard time speaking/understanding, severe headache, drooping face muscles, trouble seeing, paralysis.
What are symptoms of atherosclerosis in the arms, legs and pelvis arteries? (2)
Leg pain, numbness.
What are symptoms of atherosclerosis in the arteries that deliver blood to the kidneys? (2)
High blood pressure, kidney failure.
What is the outer layer of arteries made up of?
Collagen fibres.
What is the middle layer of arteries made up of?
Smooth muscle cells and elastic fibres.
What is the inner layer of arteries made up of?
Endothelium that lines the lumen of all vessels.
What might atherosclerosis be caused by? (12)
Hugh blood pressure/cholesterol/triglycerides, smoking, insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, inflammation from an unknown cause or diseases such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease.
What is treatment for atherosclerosis? (2)
Better lifestyle, medication e.g. blood thinners.
What happens when atherosclerosis takes place? (5)
White blood cells (macrophages) rush to the rea to replace the lining. The WBC’s encourage the growth of smooth muscle and deposit cholesterol under the endothelium. The deposits are called atheroma’s and form plaques which restrict the lumen of the artery. As blood flow is reduced, cells will receive less oxygen and glucose for respiration. Plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot.
