" Structural control of blood flow in the circulation "
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Abstract: The structure of the vascular system changes during growth and maturation and in response to changing functional requirements.  The diameter and wall thickness of each vessel segment vary in response to several stimuli including mechanical stresses and metabolite levels.  In normal tissue, these responses lead to formation of networks of vessels that are stable, functionally adequate and efficient.  A combination of experimental and theoretical approaches has provided insights into this process, and how it may be altered in disease states.