Arteries: Function, Anatomy, And Types

Arteries: Function, Anatomy, And Types

Briefly describe the histological features of an elastic artery (large artery).
Answer:

Elastic Artery Histological features

The characteristic histological features of an elastic artery (syn, large-sized artery) are as follows:

Tunica intima

• The subendothelial layer is prominent.
• Internal elastic lamina is not visible.

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Tunica media

• A large number of elastic fibres are arranged in the form of concentric and fenestrated laminae or sheets.
• The concentric layers of smooth muscle fibres in between the elastic lamellae.

Tunica adventitia

• Thin and made up of connective tissue. It contains longitudinally running collagen fibres, which merge with external elastic lamina.
• Contains vasa vasorum.

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Elastic Artery Functions

• Conduct blood from the heart to medium-sized (muscular) arteries.
• Elastic recoil of the vessel wall ensures continuous flow of the blood through medium-sized arteries.

Elastic Artery Examples

• Aorta
• Pulmonary trunk
• Main branches of the aorta
  • Brachiocephalic trunk
  • Common carotid artery
  • Left subclavian artery

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Three Layers/Coats In The Wall Of The Artery

The three layers/coats in the wall of an artery from inside to outside are as follows:

• Tunica intima
• Tunica media
• Tunica adventitia

The features of these coats are given in Table.

Features of Three Coats in the Wall of Artery

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Histological Features of an Arteriole

The arterioles are small arteries with diameter <0.5 mm.

Arteriole Histological features

• Tunica intima Consists of the only endothelial lining (the subendothelial layer and internal elastic laminae are absent).
• Tunica media is Made up of one to five layers of smooth muscle fibres.
• Tunica adventitia is Thin and poorly developed.