Adventitia
Adventitia
Adventitia (pronounced: ad-ven-TISH-uh) is the outermost layer of connective tissue that surrounds organs, blood vessels, and other structures within the body.
Etymology
The term "adventitia" is derived from the Latin word "adventus", which means "coming" or "arrival". This refers to the fact that this layer of tissue is the first to be encountered when approaching an organ or vessel from the outside.
Structure and Function
The Adventitia is primarily composed of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and vasa vasorum. It provides structural support and stability to the organs and vessels it surrounds. In blood vessels, the adventitia also contains the vasa vasorum, small blood vessels that supply the walls of larger blood vessels.
Related Terms
- Tunica externa: Another term for the adventitia, particularly in reference to its role as the outermost layer of blood vessels.
- Tunica media: The middle layer of blood vessels, located between the adventitia and the tunica intima.
- Tunica intima: The innermost layer of blood vessels, in direct contact with the blood flowing through the vessel.
- Vasa vasorum: Small blood vessels that supply the walls of larger blood vessels, often found within the adventitia.
- Fibroblasts: Cells that produce collagen and other fibers, found within the adventitia.
- Collagen: A protein that provides structural support to tissues and organs, a major component of the adventitia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adventitia
- Wikipedia's article - Adventitia
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