Endothelial cells of the artery, also referred to as arterial endothelial cells, form an integral part of the arterial system. They form a single layer, known as the endothelium, lining the interior surface of arteries, and are able to respond to the high-pressure and flow conditions present in arteries. The primary role of these cells is to provide a barrier between the vessel wall and the blood, exhibiting selective permeability to regulate the movement of liquids, gases, and blood-borne substances across the vascular wall. Arterial endothelial cells significantly contribute to maintaining vascular homeostasis. They are at the forefront of sensations and responses to mechanical stimuli, like shear stress and blood pressure changes. An additional key function pertains to the production of nitric oxide, which helps to regulate vascular tone and blood pressure, prevents platelet aggregation, limits leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium, and inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation. These varied but connected functions help to preclude the development of atherosclerosis, ensuring normal circulation and arterial health. Moreover, these cells play a pivotal role in inflammation and coagulation processes. During inflammatory events, they express various adhesion molecules, aiding in leukocyte recruitment and rolling onto the vessel walls for immune response. They also produce anticoagulant and procoagulant substances, involved in blood clotting and clot dissolution, respectively. Dysregulation of the usual functions of arterial endothelial cells can result in serious pathophysiological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.)

endothelial cell of artery

A blood vessel endothelial cell that is part of an arterial endothelium.

arterial endothelial cell

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