Pericytes are cells that wrap around the walls of capillaries and are important for maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity. The spelling of the word "Pericytes" comes from the Greek prefix "peri-" meaning "around" and the suffix "-cyte," meaning "cell." Its pronunciation is [ˈpɛrɪˌsaɪts], with emphasis on the first syllable, and the "c" is pronounced as a soft "s." Mastering the spelling of medical terms like "Pericytes" requires a good understanding of their derivations and the rules of pronunciation.
Pericytes are a type of specialized cells found in the walls of small blood vessels, called capillaries. They are also known as Rouget cells, mural cells, or perivascular cells. Pericytes have a distinct location and function within the circulatory system.
These cells are primarily involved in regulating blood flow, maintaining the integrity of the blood vessel walls, and assisting in the formation and stabilization of new blood vessels. Pericytes are closely associated with endothelial cells, which line the inner surface of the blood vessels, forming a complex network.
Pericytes have a stellate or branched appearance and possess contractile properties, allowing them to contract and relax. This contractility helps regulate blood flow within the capillaries and control the diameter of the vessels. Additionally, pericytes play a crucial role in maintaining the permeability of blood vessel walls, controlling the exchange of substances between blood and surrounding tissues.
Furthermore, pericytes are involved in angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels. They promote vessel growth by secreting growth factors and signaling molecules that stimulate the migration and proliferation of endothelial cells. Pericytes also contribute to the stability and maturation of newly formed blood vessels by depositing extracellular matrix components and providing mechanical support.
In summary, pericytes are specialized cells located in the walls of capillaries, and they play essential roles in regulating blood flow, maintaining blood vessel stability, and participating in angiogenesis.
The word "Pericytes" has a Greek etymology. It is derived from the Greek words "peri", meaning "around", and "kytos", meaning "cell". Pericytes are a type of contractile cells that surround capillaries and small blood vessels in the body. They have an important role in regulating blood flow and blood vessel growth, among other functions.