Endothelium

The endothelium is located at the interface between the blood and the vessel wall. The cells are in close contact and form a slick layer that prevents blood cell interaction with the vessel wall as blood moves through the vessel lumen. The endothelium consists of simple squamous epithelium that lines the lumen of all blood vessels. It plays a critical role in the mechanics of blood flow, the regulation of coagulation, leukocyte adhesion, and vascular smooth muscle cell growth, and also serves as a barrier to the transvascular diffusion of liquids and solutes. For years the endothelium was thought of as an inert single layer of cells that passively allowing the passage of water and other small molecules across the vessel wall. However, this dynamic tissue performs many other active functions, such as the secretion and modification of vasoactive substances and the contraction and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle.

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