Verisuonittuneet

Verisuonittuneet is an adjective in Finnish that describes tissue, organs, or lesions that have developed an extensive network of blood vessels. The form derives from verisuoni (blood vessel) and the verb verisuonittaa (to vascularize); verisuonittuneet indicates that vascularization has occurred.

In medical and biological contexts, verisuonittuneet tissues are common in situations where new blood vessels form to supply oxygen and nutrients. This includes tumor growth, wound healing, inflammatory processes, and transplanted tissues. The term is often used to contrast with avascular or hypovascular tissue, which has limited blood vessel supply.

The process behind vascularization is angiogenesis (neovascularisaatio in Finnish) or, in some developmental contexts, vasculogenesis. Key mediators include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other angiogenic signals that promote endothelial cell proliferation and vessel formation. Vascularization influences tissue perfusion, growth, and response to therapies; highly vascularized tumors may exhibit different growth dynamics and sensitivity to anti-angiogenic treatments. Imaging with contrast agents can reveal verisuonittuneet regions through enhanced perfusion, while histology can confirm vascularization.

In pathology and research, verisuonittuneet areas are often assessed by endothelial markers such as CD31, CD34, and von Willebrand factor, and by measuring microvessel density. The concept is central to studies of tumor biology, tissue regeneration, and reconstructive medicine, where the development of blood supply is a key determinant of viability and function.