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Microfabrication technology is implemented to realize a versatile platform for the study of endothelial cell (EC) shape and function. The platform contains arrays of microchannels, 25–225 μm wide, that are fabricated by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) of silicon and anodic bonding to glass and within which ECs are cultured. Silicon fluidic port modules, fabricated using a combination of silicon fusion bonding and anisotropic etching in KOH, provide a simple and reversible means of coupling, via standard tubing, between an individual microchannel and off-platform devices for flow monitoring and control. For flow experiments where a well-defined flow field is required, the channels are capped with either a glass lid or a thin, self-sealing elastomer membrane that can be punctured to provide direct access to cells within the microchannels. Under static culture conditions, bovine aortic ECs (BAECs) become …