structure of arteris

Question 1

what are the three layers of artery walls

Answer 1

tunica externa - outer
tunica media - middle
tunica interna - inner

Question 2

what is tunica intima made of

Answer 2

endothelial layer
layer of connective tissue
layer of elastic fibres

Question 3

what does the endothelium do

Answer 3

its one cell thick and lines lumen of all blood vessels
it is smooth and reduces friction for free blood flow

Question 4

what is the tunica media made of

Answer 4

smooth muscle cells and a thick layer of elastic tissue

Question 5

what is the use of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media

Answer 5

strengthens the arteries so they can withstand high pressures
it also helps them contract and narrow the lumen for reduced blood flow

Question 6

what is the use of elastic tissue in the tunica media

Answer 6

helps maintain blood pressure in the arteries
it stretched and recoil to even out any fluctuations in pressure