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Muscular Arteries

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Also known as distributing arteries, these bring blood to regions of the body or even specific organs. 

Tunica Externa

Present and unremarkable

Tunica Media

Largest tunic present. Composed of smooth muscle fibers.

Tunica Interna (Intimia)

Simple squamous epithelium

Lumen

The lumen of a muscular artery is usually round. It may also be slightly oval. This shape is due to the processes used to make the slide.  There are a lot of  erythrocytes (red blood cells) but you could count them if you had the patience.  

High-magnification microscopic image of a muscular artery and vein stained with Masson's trichrome, collagen fibers are highlighted in green and muscle in colors of red . The artery presents a large central lumen (white space). The background is primarily white and represents fat cells.
Figure 1: Microscopic view of Masson’s trichrome-stained artery and vein showing thick-walled artery with a white space inside.
Microscopic image of a small artery and vein stained in red hues, displaying differences in wall thickness and structure. The artery has a well-defined circular shape, while the vein appears more irregular. Surrounding adipose tissue is visible in the background.
Figure 2: Histological section showing a small artery and vein surrounded by adipose tissue, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The artery has a thick tunica media, while the vein has a thinner wall and a more irregular shape.

Figure 1: Kidney, monkey, H&E, 40X Slide 210
Figure 2: Slide 95 Small arteries and veins, H&E, 20X.
All by University of Michigan Histology, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

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