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 | |
|---|---|
 Diagram showing the location of endothelial cells | |
 Transmission electron micrograph of a microvessel showing endothelial cells, which encircle an erythrocyte (E), forming the innermost layer of the vessel, the tunica intima. | |
| Details | |
| System | Circulatory system |
| Location | Lining of the inner surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels |
| Identifiers | |
| MeSH | D004727 |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.02003 |
| FMA | 63916 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
References
- Cines, Douglas B. (2012). "Endothelial Cells in Physiology and in the Pathophysiology of Vascular Disorders". bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
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