Fibrous cap
Fibrous Cap
Fibrous cap (pronunciation: /ˈfaɪbrəs kæp/) is a term used in medicine and pathology to describe a layer of fibrous tissue that forms over the atherosclerotic plaque in the walls of arteries.
Etymology
The term "fibrous cap" is derived from the Latin words "fibra" meaning fiber and "caput" meaning head. It refers to the cap-like structure made of fibrous tissue that covers the atherosclerotic plaque.
Definition
A fibrous cap is a thick layer of fibrous tissue that forms over the atherosclerotic plaque in the walls of arteries. This cap is composed of collagen, smooth muscle cells, and extracellular matrix. It serves to stabilize the plaque and prevent it from rupturing, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Related Terms
- Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
- Plaque: A deposit of fatty material on the inner lining of an arterial wall.
- Arteries: Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart to your body.
- Collagen: The main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in the body.
- Smooth muscle cells: A type of involuntary non-striated muscle that is found within the tunica media layer of large and small arteries and veins.
- Extracellular matrix: A three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules such as collagen and glycoproteins that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fibrous cap
- Wikipedia's article - Fibrous cap
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