ABSTRACT
ENDOTHELIAL CELL PHYSIOLOGY The endothelium is the largest organ system in the human body and is composed of a monolayer of specialized cells that form the inner surface of blood vessels. Once thought to function as an inert passive vascular barrier, the endothelium is now widely recognized to play a major active role in vascular homeostasis and end organ function blood flow. Endothelium has the ability to sense mechanical and hormonal stimuli and release various vasoactive substances that regulate functions such as the maintenance of vascular tone as well as antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory processes (Fig.1).
