pericyte cell

Term ID

CL:0000669

Synonyms

• adventitial cell
• adventitial reticular cell
• ARC
• cell of Rouget
• pericyte
• pericyte of Rouget

Definition

An elongated, contractile cell found wrapped about precapillary arterioles outside the basement membrane. Pericytes are present in capillaries where proper adventitia and muscle layer are missing (thus distingushing this cell type from adventitial cells). They are relatively undifferentiated and may become fibroblasts, macrophages, or smooth muscle cells. (5)

References

• BTO:0002441
• FMA:63174

Ontology

Cell Ontology