Endothelium of blood vessel wall

The endothelium of the blood vessel wall is a single layer of squamous endothelial cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels throughout the body[1][3][2]. It forms a critical barrier between circulating blood and the surrounding tissues, regulating the exchange of fluids, solutes, macromolecules, and cells[1][3]. This layer is essential for maintaining vascular tone, blood fluidity, and hemostasis, and it plays important roles in controlling inflammation, immune cell trafficking, and angiogenesis[2][1]. Endothelial cells are heterogeneous and their function varies in different vascular beds and organs; they participate in responses to shear stress, hormones, and metabolic signals[4][1][3]. Dysfunction of the endothelium is closely linked to various diseases including cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and cancer[1][2].

Other names

Endothelial cell layerVascular endotheliumBlood vessel endotheliumEndothelial lining