The Development of Blood Vessels: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms

摘要: All blood vessels share a common function to deliver oxygen and remove metabolites from peripheral tissues. However, we now know that not all are alike. In fact, they significantly differ in many respects. For instance, some only consist of endothelial cells (capillaries), while others surrounded by smooth muscle (arteries, veins). Arteries veins the number cells, but even capillaries without express selective arterial or venous markers. Various arteries embryonic origin their cells. But different organs spe­ cific markers have specialized functions accommodate distinct needs each organ. Furthermore, an embryo actively growing ordered pattern quiescent healthy adult, completely chaotic uncontrolled manner sick patient with tumor. Genetic ana1y­ sis over last 10 years has provided stunning insights cellular mole­ cular mechanisms define formation these vessels. These discussed this overview.