Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

In Vitro Model of Fetal Human Vessel On-chip to Study Developmental Mechanobiology
Published on: July 28, 2023
Dynamic mechanisms of blood vessel growth
Roeland M H Merks1, James A Glazier
1The Biocomplexity Institute and Department of Physics, Indiana University Bloomington, Swain Hall West 159, 727 E. 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7105, USA.
Abstract:
The formation of a polygonal configuration of proto-blood-vessels from initially dispersed cells is the first step in the development of the circulatory system in vertebrates. This initial vascular network later expands to form new blood vessels, primarily via a sprouting mechanism. We review a range of recent results obtained with a Monte Carlo model of chemotactically migrating cells which can explain both de novo blood vessel growth and aspects of blood vessel sprouting. We propose that the initial network forms via a percolation-like instability depending on cell shape, or through an alternative contact-inhibition of motility mechanism which also reproduces aspects of sprouting blood vessel growth.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Mechanism of Angiogenesis
Structure of Blood Vessels
Development of Blood Vessels
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Blood Flow

