Quick Facts
The external elastic membrane is a fenestrated elastic membrane that constitutes the innermost component of the tunica externa of arteries (Dorland, 2011).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure
The external elastic membrane (or lamina) is a layer is found outside the smooth muscle of the tunica media separating the tunica media from the tunica externa in the artery wall. The external elastic lamina is composed of sheets of elastic connective tissue.
Anatomical Relations
The external elastic membrane lies between the tunica media and the tunica externa.
Function
The external elastic lamina serves to provide a readily deformable, compliant structure surrounding the lumen of the vessel to enable diameter changes when needed.
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
