intima

American  

[in-tuh-muh] / ˈɪn tə mə /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

intimae

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

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intima British  

/ ˈɪntɪmə /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• intimal adjective
• subintimal adjective

Etymology

Origin of intima

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

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.

From Science Daily

According to the observations of Zahn, the nucleus of certain thrombi is the result of the death of these leucocytes and their accumulation upon an altered intima.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Science Magazine

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg