"the intima (or tunica intima)"
"the media (or tunica media)"
"the adventitia (or tunica adventitia)"
"large elastic arteries (aorta, large aortic branches [e.g. innominate, subclavian, common carotids, iliacs] and pulmonary arteries): the media is abundant in elastic fibres that allow it to expand with systole and recoil during diastole, thereby propelling blood forward"
"Post capillary blood flows into venules and then into progressively larger veins."
"The intima and adventitia are similar in structure and function to arteries but the media is much thinner due to significantly less smooth muscle and elastic tissue. Veins therefore do not have the same capacity for elastic recoil and vasoconstriction as arteries. Blood is propelled forward by contraction of surrounding muscles and pressure gradients created during inspiration and expiration. Reverse flow is prevented by the presence of venous valves."
Expected headings
"Arteries"
"Capillaries"
"Veins"
"Blood vessels, namely arteries and veins, are composed of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix (including collagen and elastin). These are arranged into three concentric layers (or tunicae): intima, media and adventitia."
"provides structural support, vasoreactivity and elasticity"
"Capillaries connect arterioles with venules. They consist only of a single layer of endothelial cells on a basement membrane. There is no media or adventitia. The diameter is just wide enough for passage of a red blood cell, therefore flow is very slow. These features facilitate exchange of oxygen, nutrients and other substances between blood and tissues."
"small arteries and arterioles (in the substance of organs and tissues): the media is abundant in smooth muscle cells that vasoconstrict or vasodilate; in vessels of this size, smooth muscle contraction causes dramatic changes in lumen diameter, thereby controlling systemic blood pressure as well as regional blood flow"
"Capillaries connect arterioles with venules. They consist only of a single layer of endothelial cells on a basement membrane. There is no media or adventitia. The diameter is just wide enough for passage of a red blood cell, therefore flow is very slow. These features facilitate exchange of oxygen, nutrients and other substances between blood and tissues."