Distinguish between arteries and veins histologically
| Arteries | Veins | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers | Tunica intima, media, and adventitia | Tunica intima, media, and adventitia |
| Internal elastic membrane | Prominent | Less prominent or absent |
| Smooth muscle | Prominent in muscular arteries | Present |
| Elastic lamellae | Prominent in elastic arteries | Absent |
| Adventitia | Thinner than tunica media | Thicker than tunica media |
State the structural distinction between large and medium sized arteries. Give examples of each
| Large arteries | Medium arteries | |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | > 10 mm | 2 – 10 mm |
| Type | Elastic | Muscular |
| Internal elastic membrane | Present | Present |
| Elastic tissue in tunica media | More | Less |
| Smooth muscles in tunica media | Less | More |
| Examples | Aorta, Brachiocephalic trunk, Common carotid artery, Subclavian artery, Common iliac arteries | Brachial artery, Radial artery, Femoral artery |
- Describe the histological classification of capillaries and give examples
- Continuous capillaries (Non-fenestrated capillaries)
- Tight junctions between endothelial cells
- Capillaries in the brain and skeletal muscles
- Fenestrated Capillaries (Visceral capillaries)
- Fenestrae between endothelial cells
- Capillaries in Endocrine glands and the Kidneys
- Discontinuous Capillaries (Sinusoidal capillaries)
- Fenestrae and gaps in the basement membrane
- Capillaries in the bone marrow, Spleen, and liver
- Continuous capillaries (Non-fenestrated capillaries)
