Microvascular endothelial cells
The microcirculation is represented by blood vessels of the smallest diameter (terminal arterioles, capillaries, and venules), but overall greatest surface area. In addition, the microcirculation plays a critical role in tissue perfusion and exchange of vital substrates. While smooth muscle cells are present within the walls of microvessels, specialized cells known as pericytes embedded in the basement membrane also play an important role in regulating tone, maintaining vascular integrity and phagocytosing cellular debris [9] (reviewed in Lee L.)