Arteriole, longitudinal section

This image illustrates a longitudinally-sectioned arteriole. 

Note the distinctive appearance of endothelial and smooth muscle nuclei.  Because smooth muscle fibers encircle the vessel, when the arteriole is sectioned longitudinally, the elongated (cigar-shaped) nucleus of each muscle cell is cut in cross-section and thus appears small and round.

The tissue around the vessel is fibrous connective tissue of deep dermis (skin).

 

Comments and questions: dgking@siu.edu

SIUC / School of Medicine / Anatomy / David King

http://www.siumed.edu/~dking2/crr/RN028b.htm
Last updated:  5 September 2003 / dgk