Significant morbidity and mortality remain attributed to cardiovascular diseases. A complete understanding of the functionality and behavior of the components of the cardiovascular system is paramount to facilitating the development of new therapeutics and procedures targeted toward the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. One aspect of the cardiovascular system that warrants more extensive evaluation is the behavior of the smooth muscle wall surrounding large conduit arteries. This review focuses on pulse synchronized contractions, or rhythmic mechanical activity in the smooth muscle wall of the large conduit activity in vivo.
