Does the tunica intima have a basement membrane?

The tunica intima consists of the endothelium and underlying basement membrane. A small amount of subendothelial connective tissue and and internal elastic layer (lamina), is sometimes present in some blood vessels.

Which tunica has a basement membrane?

tunica intima
The tunica intima is the innermost layer and consists of a layer of simple squamous epithelium, known as endothelium, affixed to a basement membrane resting on a thin connective tissue matrix.

What does the tunica intima consist of?

The tunica intima consists of a layer of endothelial cells lining the lumen of the vessel, as well as a subendothelial layer made up of mostly loose connective tissue. Often, the internal elastic lamina separates the tunica intima from the tunica media.

What are capillaries composed of tunica intima?

Capillaries have only a tunica intima layer. The tunica intima is a thin layer composed of a simple squamous epithelium known as endothelium and a small amount of connective tissue. The tunica media is a thicker area composed of variable amounts of smooth muscle and connective tissue.

Is the tunica intima a connective tissue layer?

The tunica intima (also called the tunica interna) is composed of epithelial and connective tissue layers. Lining the tunica intima is the specialized simple squamous epithelium called the endothelium, which is continuous throughout the entire vascular system, including the lining of the chambers of the heart.

Why does the tunica intima appear smooth under the microscope?

Under the microscope, the lumen and the entire tunica intima of a vein will appear smooth, whereas those of an artery will normally appear wavy because of the partial constriction of the smooth muscle in the tunica media, the next layer of blood vessel walls. The tunica media is the substantial middle layer of the vessel wall (see Figure 20.1.2 ).

How is the inner coat of the tunica separated?

In dissection, the inner coat (tunica intima) can be separated from the middle (tunica media) by a little maceration, or it may be stripped off in small pieces; but, because of its friability, it cannot be separated as a complete membrane.

Is the tunica intima part of the Vaso vasorum?

The adventitia can also contain the lymphatic and nerve plexi and a network of finely lined blood vessels called the vaso vasorum. The tunica intima and media, and the tunica media and adventitia are separated by the internal elastic lamina and the external elastic lamina, respectively. Fig. 1. Structure of the healthy arterial wall.