endothelium

[en-doh-thee-lee-uhm]

noun

plural

endothelia 

1. a type of epithelium composed of a single layer of smooth, thin cells that lines the heart, blood vessels, lymphatics, and serous cavities.

endothelium

/ ˌɛndəʊˈθiːlɪəm /

noun

1. a tissue consisting of a single layer of cells that lines the blood and lymph vessels, heart, and some other cavities

endothelium

plural

endothelia 

1. A thin layer of flat epithelial cells that lines the lymph vessels, blood vessels, and the inner cavities of the heart.

2. Compare mesothelium

Other Word Forms

• endothelial adjective
• subendothelial adjective
• endothelioid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endothelium¹

1870–75; endo- + New Latin -thelium; epithelium

Word History and Origins

Origin of endothelium¹

C19: New Latin, from _endo- + -thelium, from Greek thēlē nipple

Example Sentences

The researchers are making their data on age-related protein abundance of the mouse endothelium available in a publicly accessible database for further use.

From Science Daily

Remarkably, the HUVECs migrated through the pores, reaching the innermost layer of the artificial SDV and establishing an endothelium with the extent of coverage dependent on the pore size.

From Science Daily

The coronavirus may damage blood vessels and the lining of the vessels, called the endothelium, as it binds to the molecular receptors that are plentiful on endothelial cells.

From Seattle Times

With a surface area larger than a football field, the endothelium helps maintain a delicate balance in the bloodstream.

From Salon

The coronavirus was found to infect and inflict serious damage to the vascular endothelium — the single layer of cells that line the blood vessels of organs such as our brain, kidneys, heart and lungs.

From Washington Post