Endothelium is a single layer of squamous
endothelial cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. The endothelium forms an interface between circulating blood or lymph in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall. Endothelial
cells form the barrier between vessels and tissue and control the flow of substances and fluid into and out of a tissue. Endothelial
cells in direct contact with blood are called vascular
endothelial cells whereas those in direct contact with lymph are known as lymphatic endothelial cells. Vascular
endothelial cells line the entire circulatory system, from the heart to the smallest capillaries. These
cells have unique functions that include fluid filtration, such as in the glomerulus of the kidney, blood vessel tone, hemostasis, neutrophil recruitment, and
hormone trafficking. Endothelium of the interior surfaces of the heart chambers is called endocardium. An impaired function can lead to serious
health issues throughout the body.
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