endothelium

[ en-doh-thee-lee-uhm ]

noun

, plural en·do·the·li·a [en-doh-, thee, -lee-, uh].

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

/ ĕn′dō-thē′lē-əm /

, 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

Derived Forms

• ˌendoˈthelial, adjective
• ˌendoˈtheliˌoid, adjective

Other Words From

• endo·theli·al adjective
• suben·do·theli·al 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

Changes were found in the endothelium of the blood vessels, the axis cylinders of nerves, and the muscles.

From Project Gutenberg

Endotheliomas take origin from the endothelium of lymph vessels and blood vessels, and serous cavities.

From Project Gutenberg

The endothelium over these plates often disappears, leaving them exposed to the blood-stream.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a cavity is not a mere hole, but has a distinct wall of connective tissue lined with epithelium or endothelium.

From Project Gutenberg

The iris becomes attached to the pectinate ligament and to the endothelium of Descemet's membrane.

From Project Gutenberg