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.