What is the Role of Endothelium in Vascular Function?
The endothelium is a single layer of cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels, playing a crucial role in vascular function. It acts as a barrier between the blood and the rest of the vessel wall and is involved in:
Regulating blood flow and vascular resistance. Maintaining blood fluidity by preventing clot formation. Producing nitric oxide, a vasodilator that helps in the relaxation of blood vessels. Responding to inflammatory signals and aiding in the immune response.