Intima is a noun that refers to the innermost layer of an organ or tissue. The IPA phonetic transcription of intima is [ɪnˈtɪmə]. The first syllable, "in", is pronounced with the short "i" sound [ɪ]. The second syllable, "ti", is pronounced with the sound of the letter "t" followed by a short "i" [tɪ]. The final syllable, "ma", is pronounced with the short "uh" sound [ə]. The spelling of the word intima reflects its Latin origin, where "intimus" means "innermost."
Intima is a term widely used in the medical field and refers to the innermost layer or lining of a tubular structure, particularly a blood vessel. Specifically, it describes the endothelial layer, which is a single layer of flattened cells that forms the innermost lining of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. The intima is vital to the overall health and function of blood vessels as it provides a smooth surface that aids in minimizing friction and maintaining the normal flow of blood.
In addition to the endothelial cells, the intima may also contain a thin layer of connective tissue, known as the subendothelial layer. This layer provides structural support to the endothelial lining and is involved in regulating the transport of substances between the blood vessel wall and the surrounding tissues.
The intima is prone to damage and dysfunction in various pathological conditions, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. The accumulation of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and inflammatory cells in the intima can lead to its thickening, a process called intimal hyperplasia, ultimately impairing blood flow and potentially leading to serious health consequences like heart attacks and strokes.
In summary, the intima refers to the innermost layer of a blood vessel, composed primarily of endothelial cells, which play a crucial role in maintaining vascular health and function.
The tunica intima, or inner coat of a blood-vessel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "intima" comes from the Latin adjective "intimus", which means "innermost" or "most intimate". It is derived from the Latin noun "intimus", which means "the innermost part". The term "intima" is used in various contexts, such as in anatomy to refer to the innermost layer of an organ, specifically referring to blood vessels.