Fig. 3.

This collage of two separate images merged together depicts the various layers of the thoracic aorta in the SDC model (A). The lumen, EC monolayer (arrows in inset a), IEL, media with its VSMCs (note the electron-dense elastin folds or ‘garters’, open arrows), external elastic lamina (EEL) and the disproportionately expanded abluminal adventitia layer from the Ren2 model emphasize the importance of its multiple pericytes (Pc) and long pericyte cytoplasmic processes (B). Note that at the bottom of this collage, a large periadventitial microvessel (vasa vasorum, Vv) is running parallel with the lumen containing multiple red blood cells (RBCs). Magnification ×200.