AsclepioArtery (histology) in 3D
Tunica intima (endothelium and thin connective tissue), tunica media (smooth muscle and elastic fibers; thick in arteries, thin in veins) and tunica…
Explained for every age
For kids (7–11)
An artery is a tube with three layers: inside, a smooth lining so blood slides along; in the middle, a ring of muscle that squeezes and relaxes; and outside, a tough cover. It throbs with every heartbeat.
For teens (12–16)
Tunica intima (endothelium and thin connective tissue), tunica media (smooth muscle and elastic fibers; thick in arteries, thin in veins) and tunica adventitia (collagen, with its own vessels and nerves). The elastic laminae return the wall to its shape and maintain pressure between beats. Turn on the atherosclerotic plaque in Layers to see how the lumen narrows.
Pre-Med (17+)
Intima: endothelium (NO, prostacyclin, endothelin), subendothelium, internal elastic lamina. Media: circular smooth muscle with elastin and collagen; elastic arteries (aorta: fenestrated laminae, Windkessel effect) versus muscular arteries (distribution, sympathetic control of tone). Adventitia: type I collagen, vasa vasorum, nervi vascularis. Atherosclerosis: endothelial dysfunction, oxidized LDL, foam cells, necrotic core and fibrous cap; plaque rupture triggers thrombosis (myocardial infarction, stroke).
What you can explore
Tunica intimaTunica mediaElastic laminaeTunica adventitiaVasa vasorumAtherosclerotic plaque
Missions
- The tube that pulses Explorer
- Three tunics Discoverer
- Atherogenesis and the vascular wall Pre-Med