This document describes the three layers (tunics) that make up the walls of blood vessels: the tunica intima, which is the innermost layer lined with endothelial cells; the tunica media, composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibers that control vessel diameter; and the tunica externa, the outermost layer made of collagen fibers that protects and reinforces vessels. Larger vessels also contain a serosa layer to reduce friction from muscle movements.
This document describes the three layers (tunics) that make up the walls of blood vessels: the tunica intima, which is the innermost layer lined with endothelial cells; the tunica media, composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibers that control vessel diameter; and the tunica externa, the outermost layer made of collagen fibers that protects and reinforces vessels. Larger vessels also contain a serosa layer to reduce friction from muscle movements.
This document describes the three layers (tunics) that make up the walls of blood vessels: the tunica intima, which is the innermost layer lined with endothelial cells; the tunica media, composed of smooth muscle and elastic fibers that control vessel diameter; and the tunica externa, the outermost layer made of collagen fibers that protects and reinforces vessels. Larger vessels also contain a serosa layer to reduce friction from muscle movements.