What gives the arteries their elasticity?
1 Answer
May 8, 2017
Arterial walls are partially composed of elastic connective tissue, which contains the protein elastin. This is stretchy!
Explanation:
Arteries have three layers, each made of different connective tissues.
Outer Layer: Adventitia
This layer is mostly made of collagen fibers, giving the artery strength without making it rigid.
Middle Layer: Media
The media is made of smooth muscle cells and elastin fibers, giving the artery flexibility.
Innermost Layer: Intima
This layer contacts the blood running through the artery, and is made of endothelial cells, a specialized type of epithelial cell.
