A layer of flat cells lining especially blood and lymphatic vessels and the heart. [endo- + G. thele, nipple]
- e. of anterior chamber [TA] a single layer of large, squamous cells that covers the posterior surface of the cornea. SYN: e. posterius corneae [TA], e. camerae anterioris.
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en·do·the·li·um .en-də-'thē-lē-əm n, pl -lia -lē-ə an epithelium of mesoblastic origin composed of a single layer of thin flattened cells that lines internal body cavities (as the serous cavities or the interior of the heart)
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n.
the single layer of cells that lines the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. It is derived from embryonic mesoderm. The corneal endothelium is the innermost layer of the cornea. Compare epithelium.
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en·do·the·li·um (en″do-theґle-əm) pl. endotheґlia [endo- + Gr. thēlē nipple] the layer of epithelial cells that lines the interior of structures such as the cavities of the heart, the lumina of blood and lymph vessels, and the serous cavities of the body; it originates from the mesoderm. endothelial adjMedical dictionary. 2011.