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Vascular Endothelium

Meaning

The Vascular Endothelium is the single layer of endothelial cells lining the interior surface of all blood vessels, functioning as a dynamic interface between the circulating blood components and the underlying vascular smooth muscle. This layer is far more than a passive lining; it actively regulates vascular tone, coagulation cascades, and inflammatory cell adhesion. Endothelial dysfunction, often an early marker of systemic disease, is strongly influenced by hormonal status, particularly estrogen levels and insulin sensitivity.