The role that the pattern of vessel wall growth plays in determining pressure-lumen area (P-A) and pressure-compliance curves was examined. A P-A vessel model was developed that encompasses the complete range of pressure, including negative values, and accounts for size given the fixed length, nonlinear elastic wall properties, constant wall area, and collapse. Data were obtained from excised canine carotid and femoral arteries, jugular veins, and elastic tubing. The mean error of estimate was 8 mmHg for all vessels studied and 2 mmHg for blood vessels. The P-A model was employed to examine two patterns of arterial wall thickening, outward growth and remodeling (constant wall area), under the assumption of constant wall properties. The model predicted that only outward wall growth resets compliance such that it increases at a given arterial pressure, explaining previously contradictory data. In addition, it was found that outward wall growth increases the lumen area between normal and high pressures. Remodeling resulted in lumen narrowing and a decrease in compliance for positive pressures.