Endothelium
Endothelium is a layer of cells that line the walls of the circulatory system which carries blood around the body.[1] The cells form a membrane so that certain substances, such as nutrients, can move through the walls. In an adult human there is about 1 kg of endothelium cells, which would cover an area of about 7m2.[1] The endothelium plays an important part in controlling the flow of blood around the body.
| Endothelium | |
|---|---|
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| Diagram showing the location of endothelial cells | |
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| Transmission electron micrograph of a microvessel showing endothelial cells, which encircle an erythrocyte (E), forming the innermost layer of the vessel, the tunica intima. | |
| System | Circulatory system |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cines, Douglas B. (2012). "Endothelial Cells in Physiology and in the Pathophysiology of Vascular Disorders". bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org. Retrieved 25 October 2012.