Arterial wall

Arterial Wall

The arterial wall is the thick, muscular wall that surrounds the arteries in the circulatory system. It is composed of three distinct layers: the tunica intima, the tunica media, and the tunica adventitia. Each of these layers has a specific function and structure that contributes to the overall function of the artery.

Tunica Intima

The tunica intima is the innermost layer of the arterial wall. It is composed of a single layer of endothelial cells that line the lumen of the artery. This layer is in direct contact with the blood flowing through the artery and plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and preventing blood clotting.

Tunica Media

The tunica media is the middle layer of the arterial wall. It is composed primarily of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers. This layer is responsible for the ability of the artery to constrict and dilate, which helps regulate blood pressure and blood flow.

Tunica Adventitia

The tunica adventitia is the outermost layer of the arterial wall. It is composed of connective tissue that provides structural support to the artery. This layer also contains vasa vasorum, small blood vessels that supply the wall of the artery with nutrients.

Function of the Arterial Wall

The primary function of the arterial wall is to transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The unique structure of the arterial wall allows it to withstand the high pressure of blood pumped from the heart and to regulate blood flow to different parts of the body.

Diseases of the Arterial Wall

Diseases of the arterial wall, such as atherosclerosis and aneurysm, can lead to serious health problems including heart attack and stroke. These diseases are often caused by damage to the arterial wall, which can be caused by factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol.

See Also

• Arteries
• Circulatory system
• Atherosclerosis
• Aneurysm