Intimal

Intimal is a term used in anatomy and pathology to refer to the innermost layer of a blood vessel or the heart. It is derived from the Latin word 'intimus', meaning 'innermost'. The intima is one of the three layers that make up the wall of a blood vessel, the other two being the media and the adventitia.

Structure

The intima is composed of a single layer of endothelial cells that line the lumen of the vessel, and a subendothelial layer of connective tissue containing elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells. The endothelial cells are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the vessel wall and regulating the exchange of substances between the blood and the surrounding tissues. The subendothelial layer provides structural support and contributes to the elasticity of the vessel.

Function

The intima plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating blood flow and preventing thrombosis. It also participates in the immune response by expressing adhesion molecules that facilitate the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of inflammation.

Pathology

Damage to the intima can lead to a variety of pathological conditions, including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and aneurysm. In atherosclerosis, the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory cells in the intima leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. In thrombosis, disruption of the intimal layer exposes the underlying collagen and triggers the coagulation cascade, resulting in the formation of a thrombus. In aneurysm, weakening of the intimal layer can cause the vessel wall to bulge and potentially rupture.

See also

• Endothelium
• Vascular smooth muscle
• Atherosclerosis
• Thrombosis
• Aneurysm

References

Intimal Resources
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