Images Dated 28th November 1996

SEM of endothelium lining of artery

Arterial endothelium. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of the internal lining, or endothelium, of an artery. Arteries carry blood away from the heart. The endothelium is seen here as a smooth layer of cells that is lining the inside of the vessel (seen at centre). This smooth surface helps to maintain blood flow and helps to prevent the formation of clots that may lead to heart attack or stroke. Around the smooth endothelium is a layer of smooth muscle tissue. This muscle is highly elastic and will have a tough fibrous outer coating. The structure of arteries evens out blood pressure changes caused by heartbeat. Magnification: x640 at 5x7cm size

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