Biology:Fibrous cap

From HandWiki

The fibrous cap is a layer of fibrous connective tissue, which is thicker and less cellular than the normal intima, found in atherosclerotic plaques. The fibrous cap contains macrophages and smooth muscle cells.[1] The fibrous cap of an atheroma is composed of bundles of muscle cells, macrophages, foam cells, lymphocytes, collagen and elastin.[1]

The fibrous cap is prone to rupture and ulceration which can lead to thrombosis. In advanced lesions, further complications may arise including calcification of the fibrous cap.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Hansson, Göran K.; Libby, Peter (July 2006). "The immune response in atherosclerosis: a double-edged sword". Nature Reviews Immunology 6 (7): 508–519. doi:10.1038/nri1882. PMID 16778830. 
  2. Swirski, F. K.; Nahrendorf, M. (10 January 2013). "Leukocyte Behavior in Atherosclerosis, Myocardial Infarction, and Heart Failure". Science 339 (6116): 161–166. doi:10.1126/science.1230719. PMID 23307733.