Term: pericyte basement membrane
Note: This page represents a term created by the combination ("post-composition") of two ontology terms. For more information on the individual terms, click the hyperlinked name.
Name: pericyte
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.
Ontology: Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0009112]
Name: basement membrane
Synonyms: basal lamina, basement lamina, lamina densa
Definition: A collagen-containing extracellular matrix consisting of a thin layer of dense material found in various animal tissues interposed between the cells and the adjacent connective tissue. It consists of the basal lamina plus an associated layer of reticulin fibers.
Ontology: GO: Cellular Component [GO:0005604]    QuickGO    AmiGO