PRACTICAL WORKSHOP ON HISTOLOGY, CYTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY - 2016

Section 5. SPECIAL HISTOLOGY

Cardiovascular System

Slide 76. Elastic artery (aorta).

Staining: orcein.

Magnification: x80.

The specimen has a brownish-red color; orcein selectively stains only elastic fibers.

The tunica intima (1) of the aorta appears as a light band with brown dots. The latter represent transversely cut elastic fibers of the subendothelial layer. At the border between the intima and the media, There is a rather dense plexus of thin elastic fibers. The tunica media (2) is distinguished by the presence of elastic elements known as elastic fenestrated membranes (3). The light spaces between them correspond to the Location of smooth myocytes.

The tunica adventitia (4) is light-colored and devoid of fenestrated membranes; only fine elastic fibers are observed. 5 - vasa vasorum.

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Slide 76. Elastic artery (aorta).



Last update: 07/08/2026

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