Vasa Vasorum is a Latin phrase that translates to "vessels of the vessels." The correct spelling is "vāsə vəˈsɔːrəm" using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first word, "vāsə," is pronounced with a long "a" and the "s" sounds like a "z." The second word, "vəˈsɔːrəm" has stress on the second syllable and the letter "r" is rolled. Vasa Vasorum refers to small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the walls of larger blood vessels.
Vasa Vasorum refers to a Latin term that translates to "vessels of the vessels." It is a specialized network of tiny blood vessels found within the walls of larger blood vessels, such as arteries and veins. These blood vessels form an intricate system that allows for the nourishment and oxygenation of the outer layers of the vessel walls.
The vasa vasorum are responsible for supplying the cells within the walls of larger blood vessels, as these walls are too thick to be nourished solely by oxygen diffusion from the bloodstream within the lumen. They penetrate the outer layers of the vessels and deliver nutrients, oxygen, and remove waste products from the surrounding tissues. This ensures the survival and proper functioning of the tissues making up the blood vessels.
The vasa vasorum are particularly important in larger arteries and veins, which have a higher metabolic demand. They help maintain the integrity and strength of these vessels by delivering nutrients needed for the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are critical components of the vessel walls. This network of blood vessels also plays a role in the regulation of blood flow within the vessel walls, contributing to the overall vascular physiology.
In summary, the vasa vasorum are the microscopic blood vessels that provide nourishment, oxygen, and waste removal to the outer layers of larger blood vessels, ensuring their structural integrity and proper functioning.
Vessels of vessels, small arteries distributed to the outer and middle coats of the larger blood-vessels, and their corresponding veins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Vasa Vasorum" is derived from Latin. "Vasa" means "vessels", and "Vasorum" is the genitive form of "vasa", indicating possession or origin. Therefore, "Vasa Vasorum" translates to "vessels of the vessels" or "vessels belonging to the vessels". This term is specifically used to refer to the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the walls of larger blood vessels, such as arteries and veins.