Biology of Bone: The Vasculature of the Skeletal System

• Published in: Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine Vol. 8; no. 7; p. a031559
• Main Authors: Watson, Emma C, Adams, Ralf H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 01-07-2018
• Subjects: Aging - physiology; Blood Vessels - physiology; Bone and Bones - blood supply; Endothelial Cells - physiology; Endothelium, Vascular - cytology; Fibroblast Growth Factors - physiology; Fracture Healing - physiology; Humans; Neovascularization, Physiologic - physiology; Osteogenesis - physiology; Osteonecrosis - physiopathology; Osteoporosis - physiopathology; Receptors, Notch - physiology; Signal Transduction - physiology; Transcription Factors - physiology; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - physiology
• ISSN: 2157-1422; 2472-5412
• DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031559

Blood vessels are essential for the distribution of oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells, as well as the removal of waste products. In addition to this conventional role as a versatile conduit system, the endothelial cells forming the innermost layer of the vessel wall also possess important signaling capabilities and can control growth, patterning, homeostasis, and regeneration of the surrounding organ. In the skeletal system, blood vessels regulate developmental and regenerative bone formation as well as hematopoiesis by providing vascular niches for hematopoietic stem cells. Here we provide an overview of blood vessel architecture, growth and properties in the healthy, aging, and diseased skeletal system.