[Possibilities of studying 3-dimensional structure of the arterial wall with help of scanning electron microscope]

A complex of methods for investigation of the architectonics of the vascular wall is suggested. It was established that an elastin carcass of all the layers of the arterial wall was formed of laminar membranes consisting of cylindrical elastic fibers with a diameter 1.5--3 mcm having a fibrillar structure. The window-like structure of the laminas was due to separation of bibers. In the laminar membranes of the intima and media, including internal ones, elastic fibers had circular, and in adventitia--longitudinal distribution, which ensured radial and longitudinal elasticity of the wall of arteries. Smooth muscle cells, that had spiral orientation, were attached with their ends to the adjacent membranes thus regulating their tonus. They are surrounded with elastic and collagenous fibrillas, which cover also membranes and connect all the layers of the wall of arteries into one morpho-functional system with a high structural stability and plasticity.