Endothelial Layer (of Afferent Lymphatic Vessels)
Lamina endotheliocytica interna
Read moreQuick Facts
The endothelial layer is the layer of epithelial cells that lines the interior of structures such as the cavities of the heart, the lumina of blood and lymph vessels, and the serous cavities of the body; it originates from the mesoderm (Dorland, 2011).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure/Morphology
Afferent lymphatic vessels are composed of an internal endothelial layer, surrounded by an outer smooth muscle layer and connective tissue layer. The endothelial layer is organized in a monolayer. In some areas of the vessel the basal lamina is not continuous, thus allowing the entry of extracellular fluid and material, collectively known as lymph (Margaris and Black, 2012).
Efferent lymphatic vessels are composed of an internal monolayer of endothelial cells, surrounded by several layers of smooth muscle, supported by a continuous basal lamina. These vessels relay lymph from the lymph nodes to the circulatory system.
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
Margaris, K. N. and Black, R. A. (2012) 'Modelling the lymphatic system: challenges and opportunities', J R Soc Interface, 9(69), pp. 601-12.
