Which layer provides structural support with connective tissue?

Which layer provides structural support with connective tissue?

• A. Tunica media
• B. Endothelium
• C. Tunica adventitia
• D. Tunica intima

Answer: (C)

Structural support with connective tissue comes from the outermost layer of blood vessels, the tunica adventitia. This layer is primarily connective tissue rich in collagen (with some elastic fibers), which gives the vessel its strength and helps anchor it to surrounding tissues. In larger vessels it also houses the vasa vasorum and nervi vasorum to nourish and regulate the vessel wall. The inner layer (tunica intima) is the endothelial lining, and the middle layer (tunica media) contains smooth muscle and elastic fibers that control vessel diameter, so they serve different functional roles.

Structural support with connective tissue comes from the outermost layer of blood vessels, the tunica adventitia. This layer is primarily connective tissue rich in collagen (with some elastic fibers), which gives the vessel its strength and helps anchor it to surrounding tissues. In larger vessels it also houses the vasa vasorum and nervi vasorum to nourish and regulate the vessel wall. The inner layer (tunica intima) is the endothelial lining, and the middle layer (tunica media) contains smooth muscle and elastic fibers that control vessel diameter, so they serve different functional roles.