Elastic fibers become fragmented, redistributed, and thinned

Physiological

Data Availability

Period at which this change occurs is not accurately known

Tissue

  • artery Changes

References

Referencing provided by LibAge

External Links

Description

Endothelial cells of the intimal layer become more irregular in size and shape with age. The elastic and smooth-muscle layers of the intimal increase dramatically with age. In the thoracic aorta, this thickening is due to an increase in the elastic layer, while in the abdominal aorta it is due to the proliferation of smooth muscle. The thickening in the elastic layer of the bood vessels results from mainly from fragmentation, redistribution, and thinning of the elastic fibers, which is accompanied by an elastin.

Relationships