Histology of CVS: Heart and Arteries Flashcards
What are the 3 tunics of blood vessels?
Tunica intima
Tunica media
Tunica adventitia
What is the make-up of the tunica intima?
Endothelium and basement membrane
What is the make-up of the tunica media?
Elastic tissue and smooth muscle
What is the name given to the central blood-filled space of a blood vessel?
Lumen
What protein is present in the endocardium?
Collagen
Where is collagen present in blood vessels?
Tunica adventitia
What name is given to the largest arteries?
Elastic/Conducting arteries
What is present in the connective tissue of tunica media of conducting arteries?
Elastin laminae
Where are elastic arteries found?
Aorta
Pulmonary arteries
Immediate branches
What is the purpose of elastin in the tunica media?
Expand and swell with blood
Elastic recoil propels blood
Reduces pressure fluctuations
What is the name given to the majority of arteries?
Muscular/Distributing arteries
Why are arteries mainly smooth muscle?
They are highly contractile
What are the smallest arteries called?
Arterioles
How many layers of smooth muscle are present in the tunica media of arterioles?
2/3
