ABSTRACT

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The formation of new blood vessels in humans occurs via two distinct pathways,

vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Vasculogenesis is restricted to embryonic

development and involves the differentiation of progenitor cells into endothelial

and their subsequent organization into vascular structures. Angiogenesis, the

formation of new blood vessels from preexisting capillaries, occurs both during

embryogenesis and vasculogenesis. Physiological angiogenesis is a precisely

regulated process that is associated with the growth, development, reproduction,

and repair of wounded tissues in the body.