Abstract: Glycocalyx on the surface of vascular endothelial cellsis of a hair-like structure composed of various proteoglycans andglycoproteins and is a barrier with selective permeability for the vascularwall. It has been known that glycocalyx can assist red blood cells intheir motion through capillaries, prevent the adhesion of blood cells andparticipate in signal communications. It has been well documented that glycocalyx mayalso take part in shear stress sensing and transduction. This article brieflyreviews the physiological functions of glycocalyx with particular emphaseson its roles in mechanotransduction.