Capillaries: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in medical or biological contexts to describe the smallest blood vessels in the body, which connect arterioles and venules and enable the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other nutrients and waste substances between blood and surrounding tissues.

• Capillaries are so small that red blood cells must travel through them in single file

A general term used in medical, biological, or anatomical contexts to refer to any tubular structure that carries blood through the tissues and organs. Includes arteries, veins, capillaries, and other types of blood vessels.

• Blood vessels are critically important for the transportation of nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body

Commonly used in medical or biological discussions, arterioles are small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries. They play a key role in regulating blood pressure and blood flow into capillary networks.

• The constriction and dilation of arterioles help control blood pressure

Used in medical or biological contexts, venules are small veins that collect blood from capillaries and join to form larger veins. They help carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

• Venules merge into larger veins, which return the deoxygenated blood to the heart