Which components are found in the tunica media?

Which components are found in the tunica media?

• A. Smooth muscle cells elastic fibers and connective tissues
• B. Cardiac muscle fibers adipose tissue
• C. Endothelial cells and collagen only
• D. Purkinje fibers and elastin only

Answer: (A)

The tunica media is the middle coat of the vessel wall and is rich in smooth muscle cells arranged circumferentially, with elastic fibers (elastic lamellae) interwoven and supported by connective tissue. This combination lets the vessel constrict or dilate and provides elasticity to withstand pulsatile pressure. That is why smooth muscle cells, elastic fibers, and connective tissue are the components found there. Cardiac muscle fibers and adipose tissue aren’t part of the vessel wall’s middle layer; endothelial cells line the lumen in the tunica intima; Purkinje fibers belong to the cardiac conduction system.

The tunica media is the middle coat of the vessel wall and is rich in smooth muscle cells arranged circumferentially, with elastic fibers (elastic lamellae) interwoven and supported by connective tissue. This combination lets the vessel constrict or dilate and provides elasticity to withstand pulsatile pressure. That is why smooth muscle cells, elastic fibers, and connective tissue are the components found there. Cardiac muscle fibers and adipose tissue aren’t part of the vessel wall’s middle layer; endothelial cells line the lumen in the tunica intima; Purkinje fibers belong to the cardiac conduction system.