What is Endothelium?
{{Infobox cell | Name = Endothelium | Latin = | Image = Endotelijalna ćelija.jpg | Caption = Diagram showing the location of endothelial cells | Image2 = Microvessel.jpg | Caption2 = [[Transmission electron microscopy|Transmission]] [[Micrograph|electron micrograph]] of a [[microvessel]] showing endothelial cells, which encircle an [[Red blood cell|erythrocyte]] (E), forming the innermost layer of the vessel, the [[tunica intima]]. | Precursor = | System = [[Circulatory system]] | Location = Lining of the inner surface of [[blood vessel]]s and [[lymphatic vessel]]s }} '''Endothelium''' is a layer of cells that line the walls of the [[circulatory system]] which carries blood around the body.<ref name=pvd>{{cite web |url= http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/content/91/10/3527.full |title=Endothelial Cells in Physiology and in the Pathophysiology of Vascular Disorders |first=Douglas B. |last=Cines |work=bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org |year=2012 |accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> The cells form a [[membrane]] so that certain substances, such as nutrients, can move through the walls. In an adult human there is about 1 kg of endothelium cells, which would cover an area of about 7m<sup>2</sup>.<ref name=pvd/> The endothelium plays an important part in controlling the flow of blood around the body. ==References== {{reflist}} {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Anatomy of the cardiovascular system]]