A new scheme for hierarchical classification of anastomosing vessels.
A new scheme is presented for hierarchical classification of vessels in anastomosing networks. The scheme is based on topological information, i.e. on patterns of vessel interconnection, not on vessel dimensions. As an illustration, this ordering scheme is applied to the anastomosing arteriolar network in cat sartorius muscle. Vascular segments are classified and the frequency distribution of segment length is determined for each order. In addition, vascular loops are classified, and the area, perimeter, and number of segments per loop are determined.
Popel
A S
AS
Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
Torres Filho
I P
IP
Johnson
P C
PC
Bouskela
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001160:Arterioles; D001163:Arteriovenous Anastomosis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000098:blood supply