What Are the Histological Layers of Blood Vessels?
Blood vessels typically have three distinct histological layers:
Tunica intima: The innermost layer, composed of a single layer of endothelial cells lining the lumen, supported by a thin layer of connective tissue. Tunica media: The middle layer, consisting primarily of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers, which allow the vessel to expand and contract. Tunica adventitia: The outermost layer, made up of connective tissue containing collagen fibers and, in larger vessels, vasa vasorum, small vessels that supply blood to the vessel walls.
