RESUMO
In this review we present concise historical background of formation of the interest to investigation of properties of arterial wall in this review. We consider in detail interrelation of arterial functions with their structure, main mechanisms of action of elastic properties of arteries on systemic hemodynamics. Definitions of terms describing structural-functional properties of arteries are also given. Attention is accentuated on velocity of pulse wave propagation -- an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and generally accepted parameter characterizing stiffness of arterial segment. Analysis of most valuable factors affecting pulse wave propagation velocity and modern methods and devices for the study of arterial wall stiffness is presented as well.