intima

[ in-tuh-muh ]

noun

Anatomy.

plural intimae

1. the innermost membrane or lining of some organ or part, especially that of an artery, vein, or lymphatic.

intima

/ ˈɪntɪmə /

noun

1. anatomy zoology the innermost layer of an organ or part, esp of a blood vessel

Derived Forms

• ˈintimal, adjective

Other Word Forms

• inti·mal adjective
• sub·inti·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intima¹

1870–75; < New Latin, noun use of feminine of Latin intimus, intumus inmost, equivalent to in- in- ² + -timus superlative suffix; optimal, ultimate

Word History and Origins

Origin of intima¹

C19: from Latin, feminine of intimus innermost; see intimate ¹

Example Sentences

These mimic the layered structure of the native vascular wall, which, from inside out, is composed of the tunica intima, tunica media and tunica adventitia tissues.

From Science Daily

The pericardial milk-spots and thickenings, the tendinous or semi-cartilaginous, indurated patches of serous membranes and of the intima of arteries, are all regarded as manifestations of a chronic inflammation of these tissues.

From Project Gutenberg

Using in vitro and ex vivo models of vessel wall stiffness and aging, we show that stiffening of extracellular matrix within the intima promotes endothelial cell permeability—a hallmark of atherogenesis.

From Science Magazine

The whole vascular system, including the heart, has an endothelial lining, which may constitute a distinct inner coat, the tunica intima, or may be without coverings, as in the case of the capillaries.

From Project Gutenberg

The internal, serous, or tunica intima, is the thinnest, and is continuous with the lining membrane of the heart.

From Project Gutenberg