Dynamic interactions between the cellular components of the heart and the extracellular matrix.

摘要

The heart is composed of both cellular and acellular components that act in a dynamic fashion from birth to death. The cellular components consist of myocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular cells, including endothelium and smooth muscle. Changes in these components are intimately associated with function by altering the mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of the heart. In future investigations, it will be important to examine these interactions as dynamic changes in response to physiological signals.