“Sprouting angiogenesis”, a reappraisal

► Sprouting angiogenesis is a fundamental and general mechanism of vessel growth. ► This process is finely regulated by sequential steps. ► Recent advances have introduced the concept of endothelial tip, stalk, and phalanx cells. ► Important roles for components of the Notch, Wnt, VEGF/VEGFRs signaling have been emphasized.