They’re the cells that come into direct contact with your blood. Your endothelial cells make up the lining of your blood vessels. This distributed aspect of the endothelium makes it unique compared to many of your other organs. To show them your endothelium, you could point to anywhere on your body. To show them the location of your brain, you’d point to your head. To show someone the location of your heart, you’d point to your chest. Your vascular endothelium supports about 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Your endothelium extends throughout your whole body. In some disease states, these substances are not produced appropriately, thus increasing your risk of clotting. These keep your blood fluid and prevent it from clotting when it shouldn’t. Your endothelium produces substances called nitric oxide and prostacyclin. Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots that could block your blood flow and cause serious complications. In various states of illness, such as infection/sepsis, your endothelium becomes more permeable to allow infection-fighting cells to enter your tissues and help healing. But it’s still tight enough to form an adequate barrier and protect your blood from toxins and other substances that shouldn’t be there. In a healthy state, your endothelium is permeable enough to allow fluids to travel in between its cells to reach your tissues. Manages how much fluid travels from your blood into your tissues So, your endothelium helps blood reach all your body’s organs and tissues no matter what you’re doing. During exercise, the blood vessels of your muscles dilate to help deliver blood and oxygen. In warm weather, they dilate to help circulate blood and cool off. For example, in cold weather, your blood vessels in your extremities (arms and legs) constrict to keep blood in your core. They also react to changes in temperature. These include the pressure of your blood against the vessel walls, changes in your stress level and various medications you’re taking. They also adjust to internal and external stimuli. When they’re healthy, your endothelial cells keep your blood vessels relaxed and open enough that blood can easily flow through. Controls the contraction (vasoconstriction) and relaxation (vasodilation) of your blood vessels Below are some of the key functions of your vascular endothelium. Both play a role in your cardiovascular health.Įndothelial cells have many different jobs depending on where they’re located in your body. And your lymphatic endothelium helps with lymph flow. So, your vascular endothelium helps with blood flow. Your lymphatic vessels are a network of tubes and lymph capillaries that transport extra fluid (lymph) away from your tissues. Your lymphatic endothelium lines your lymphatic vessels.Your vascular endothelium lines your blood vessels.The main difference is where they’re found: These two terms both refer to a lining of endothelial cells. It’s important to learn about your endothelium and its functions so you can do whatever possible to prevent endothelial damage. That’s because these tiny cells play a huge role in keeping your body healthy and strong. When something goes wrong with your endothelial cells, there can be severe consequences in your body. That’s why scientists consider your endothelium an endocrine organ, and in fact, it’s one of the largest organs in your body. Your endothelium actively performs many jobs to support your blood flow and keep your body in a stable state. So, your endothelium is vital to the functioning of all your organs and tissues. Your endothelium provides a space for your blood and tissues to interact. Your endothelium is a single layer of cells, called endothelial cells, which line all your blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
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