Definition

Noun: - The innermost layer of a blood vessel or lymphatic vessel: In anatomy, the "intima" specifically refers to the innermost lining or membrane of tubular structures like arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. It is the layer that is in direct contact with the blood or lymph flowing through the vessel.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Atherosclerosis often involves the thickening of the arterial intima.
  • The surgeon carefully examined the damaged intima of the vein.
  • The intima is composed of endothelial cells and a thin layer of connective tissue.

Advanced Usage

• "Tunica intima": This is the full anatomical term for the intima layer, where "tunica" means coat or layer.
  • The tunica intima is the most delicate layer of the blood vessel wall.

Variants and Related Words

• Intimal (adj): Pertaining to or affecting the intima.
  • Intimal hyperplasia is a common response to vascular injury.

Synonyms

• Inner coat: A descriptive, non-technical synonym for the intima layer of a vessel.
• Tunica intima: The formal, complete anatomical term.

Noun

1. the innermost membrane of an organ (especially the inner lining of an artery or vein or lymphatic vessel)