View source for Sinusoid (blood vessel)

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A '''sinusoid''' is a small [[blood vessel]] similar to a [[capillary]] but with a discontinuous [[endothelium]].

Sinusoids are found in the [[liver]], [[lymphoid tissue]], [[endocrine]] organs, and  [[hematopoietic]] organs such as the [[bone marrow]] and the [[spleen]]. Sinusoids found within terminal villi of the [[placenta]] are not comparable to these; they possess a continuous endothelium and complete basal lamina.

Their highly permeable nature is due to larger inter-cellular clefts, fewer tight junctions, and discontinous [[endothelial cells]], allows small and medium-sized proteins such as [[serum albumin|albumin]] to enter and leave the blood stream. Some spaces are large enough for blood cells to pass. 

The sinusoids of the liver are of particular importance to the function of that organ, and are discussed in more detail at [[liver sinusoid]].

[[de:Sinusoid (Blutgefäß)]]

[[Category:Cardiovascular system]]

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