ENDOTHELIAL CELLS 15/16

Q:What role do endothelial cells play in blood flow?→Serve as a physical lining in the heart and blood vessels, preventing blood cells from adhering to them. (Think of them as Teflon for your blood—nothing sticks!)

Q:How do endothelial cells regulate nutrient and fluid exchange?→Act as a permeability barrier for nutrient, metabolic end-product, and fluid exchange between plasma and interstitial fluid. (Like a bouncer at a VIP lounge—only certain things get through.)

Q:What substances do endothelial cells secrete to affect vascular smooth muscle cells?→Secrete vasodilators like prostacyclin and nitric oxide (EDRF) and vasoconstrictors like endothelin-1. (Remember: nitric oxide says "relax," while endothelin says "tighten up!")

Q:What process do endothelial cells mediate to form new capillaries?→Mediate angiogenesis (new capillary growth). (Picture them as construction managers for blood vessel highways.)

Q:How do endothelial cells contribute to vascular remodeling?→Detect signals and release paracrine agents that act on adjacent cells in the blood vessel wall. (Think of them as foremen in vascular renovation projects.)

Q:What is the role of endothelial cells in extracellular matrix maintenance→Contribute to the formation and maintenance of the extracellular matrix. (Like landscapers keeping the garden in shape!)