The vascular system - An overview of structure and function

It is the function of the vascular system, through a complex network of art eries. capillaries and veins. to maintain cellular homeostasis. As research scientists it is necessary to understand not only some of the basic proper ties of the blood vessel itself but also how these vessels differ in cellul ar and physiological function. This review provides an overview of the basi c physiological and pharmacological tenets of blood vessels. It also briefl y describes ii? vivo and in vitro methods used in the measurement of blood flow and blood vessel function. It is hoped that this review will provide r eaders of this focussed issue of the Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicol ogical Methods with an appreciation of the many mechanical, electrical and biochemical methodologies described within this issue. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc ience Inc. All rights reserved.