pericyte

Term ID

ZFA:0009112

Synonyms

pericytes
perivascular cells

Definition

An elongated, contractile cell found wrapped about precapillary arterioles outside the basement membrane. Pericytes are present in capillaries where proper adventitial and muscle layer are missing (thus distinguishing this cell type from adventitial cells). They are relatively undifferentiated and may become fibroblasts, macrophages, or smooth muscle cells. (4)

Appears at