Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
High endothelial venule
Introduction
High endothelial venules, or HEVs, are a subtype of blood endothelium present within lymph nodes; used by various leukocytes to gain entry into the lymph node via the blood.[1]
The HEVs are made up of cuboidal endothelial cells, with various receptors to allow entry/rolling interactions between leukocytes and the endothelium.
High endothelial venules are found in lymph nodes and tonsils and Peyer’s patches, but not in the thymus or spleen.[2]
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]