Vasa vasorum
Vasa Vasorum
Vasa vasorum (pronounced: /ˈveɪsə vəˈsɔːrəm/), from Latin, meaning 'vessels of the vessels', are a network of small blood vessels that supply the walls of large blood vessels.
Etymology
The term "vasa vasorum" is derived from Latin, where "vasa" means vessels and "vasorum" means of the vessels. Thus, the term literally translates to "vessels of the vessels".
Function
The vasa vasorum are responsible for nourishing the outer layers of larger vessels, including the aorta and vena cava. They are particularly prevalent in larger arteries and veins, which are too thick for nutrients to reach the outer layers by diffusion alone.
Clinical Significance
The vasa vasorum play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a number of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and aneurysm. In atherosclerosis, the vasa vasorum can become occluded, leading to ischemia and necrosis of the vessel wall. In aneurysms, the vasa vasorum may proliferate and contribute to the weakening and subsequent dilation of the vessel wall.
Related Terms
- Aorta: The main and largest artery in the human body, originating from the left ventricle of the heart and extending down to the abdomen.
- Vena Cava: The largest vein in the human body, it carries deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart.
- Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
- Aneurysm: An excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vasa vasorum
- Wikipedia's article - Vasa vasorum
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