How Does Angiogenesis Work?
Other People Are Reading
-
What is Angiogenesis?
-
Angiogenesis is the physiological process by which new blood vessels grow from existing ones. This is a natural process that helps the body heal wounds, and it is also serves an important function during menstruation and pregnancy. Sprouting angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and intussusception are other terms related to similar processes.
How Does Angiogenesis Work?
-
When you are injured, for example, your brain sends biological signals the blood vessels in the wound area to create new vessels. Dormant cells, called endothelial cells, are activated and allowed to pass through the cell membranes of pre-existing cells. These activated cells grow to become new blood vessels, and the healing begins.
-
Angiogenesis Gone Wild: Cancer
-
Cancer occurs when your body loses control of the angiogenesis process and creates excess cell growth. These excess cells grow into tumors that, whether they be benign or malignant, can circulate in the body and take root in other organs. According to the National Cancer Institute, the goal of most cancer treatments is to stop angiogenesis because tumors cannot grow or spread without new blood vessels being formed to feed them.
-
References
- Photo Credit America Online
