endótheli

Endothel refers to the thin, continuous layer of cells that lines the inner surface of all blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. This single layer of flattened cells, known as endothelial cells, forms the endothelium. The endothelium plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the circulatory system. It acts as a selective barrier, controlling the passage of substances between the blood or lymph and the surrounding tissues. Endothelial cells are not merely passive structural components; they are metabolically active and participate in a variety of physiological processes. These include regulating blood pressure through the production of vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, controlling blood clotting by interacting with platelets and coagulation factors, and mediating immune responses by allowing immune cells to adhere and migrate into tissues. The endothelium also plays a part in tissue repair and the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Disruptions to endothelial function, known as endothelial dysfunction, are implicated in a wide range of diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, and inflammation.