Elastic artery (histological slide)

Histological description


The wall of an elastic artery consists of three basic layers: Tunica intima, T. media , T. adventitia , examples of elastic arteries are large arteries (Aorta, A.subclavia, Arteria carotis communis and others.).

Tunica intima

Endothelium (single-layer squamous epithelium), lamina elastica interna.

Tunica media

In this layer, parallel arranged elastic membranes (light in HE staining) and layers of smooth muscle (dark) alternate, smooth muscle cells have a nucleus in the center (visible only at maximum magnification), lamina elastica externala is difficult to distinguish.

Tunica adventitia

It contains numerous vasa vasorum.

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