intima

[in-tuh-muh]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

intimae 

1. the innermost membrane or lining of some organ or part, especially that of an artery, vein, or lymphatic.

intima

/ ˈɪntɪmə /

noun

1. anatomy zoology the innermost layer of an organ or part, esp of a blood vessel

Other Word Forms

• intimal adjective
• subintimal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intima¹

1870–75; < New Latin, noun use of feminine of Latin intimus, intumus inmost, equivalent to in- in- ² + -timus superlative suffix; optimal, ultimate

Word History and Origins

Origin of intima¹

C19: from Latin, feminine of intimus innermost; see _intimate ¹

Example Sentences

These mimic the layered structure of the native vascular wall, which, from inside out, is composed of the tunica intima, tunica media and tunica adventitia tissues.

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He remarks also that he observed hyaline degeneration of the intima of arteries in the spleen.

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Using in vitro and ex vivo models of vessel wall stiffness and aging, we show that stiffening of extracellular matrix within the intima promotes endothelial cell permeability—a hallmark of atherogenesis.

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The whole vascular system, including the heart, has an endothelial lining, which may constitute a distinct inner coat, the tunica intima, or may be without coverings, as in the case of the capillaries.

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The internal, serous, or tunica intima, is the thinnest, and is continuous with the lining membrane of the heart.

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