Tags: Anatomical Structure.
The tunica intima (New Latin inner coat) or intima for short is the innermost tunica (layer) of an artery or vein. It is made up of one layer of endothelial cells and is supported by an internal elastic lamina. The endothelial cells are in direct contact with the blood flow. The tunicae of blood vessels are 3 layers: an inner middle and outer layer that are called respectively the tunica intima the tunica media and the tunica adventitia.
