The Highly Branched Contractile Cells That Regulate Capillary Permeability Are

Question

The highly branched contractile cells that regulate capillary permeability are called
A) podocytes.
B) vascular smooth muscle.
C) endothelial cells.
D) pericytes.
E) epitheliocytes.

Accepted Answer

Pericytes are highly branched contractile cells that are found on the basement membrane of capillaries and regulate capillary permeability by constricting or dilating the capillary diameter. Podocytes are specialized cells in the glomerulus of the kidney that help with filtration. Vascular smooth muscle is found in larger blood vessels and helps regulate blood pressure. Endothelial cells line the interior of blood vessels and have various functions, including regulating permeability. Epitheliocytes are a general term for cells that make up epithelial tissue.