Blood vessels of the skin contains both, cellular and non-cellular elements. The predominant cell type in all skin blood vessels is endothelial cells. Endothelial cells form the interface between intravascular and extravascular compartments. They serve as a selective barrier for the diffusion of cells and macromolecules between these two compartments. While endothelial cells lining blood vessels of the skin share features of endothelial cells elsewhere in the body, they also exhibit several skin specific characteristics. Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells provide an invaluable tool for understanding DMEC physiological and pathophysiological relevance in dermal function.

HDMEC actively participate in a variety of physiological processes including wound healing, control of hemostasis or temperature regulation. Via signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, quiescence, apoptosis, and senescence, the endothelial lining of blood vessels shows remarkable phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, which in turn allows the cutaneous microvasculature to be in a dynamic balance between maintenance and remodeling.