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Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Meaning

Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells ($text{VSMCs}$) are specialized, non-striated muscle cells that form the middle layer, or media, of the walls of arteries and veins throughout the circulatory system. These cells are fundamentally responsible for regulating blood vessel diameter through contraction and relaxation, a process known as vasoconstriction and vasodilation. The collective action of $text{VSMCs}$ determines peripheral vascular resistance and, consequently, systemic blood pressure and local blood flow distribution. Their function is critically influenced by autonomic nervous system input and circulating vasoactive hormones.