Capillary: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to the smallest blood vessels in the body that connect arterioles and venules, where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products occurs between blood and tissues.

• Oxygen moves from the capillaries into the body's cells.
• Capillary action is crucial in plant nutrient distribution.

A general term for any smaller blood vessel, typically including arterioles, capillaries, and venules. Commonly used in scientific or medical contexts to discuss microcirculation.

• Researchers are studying microvessels to understand certain diseases better.
• Microvessel density can be a marker for tumor growth.

Refers to small branches of arteries that lead into capillaries. These vessels play a key role in regulating blood flow and pressure.

• The arterioles constricted, reducing blood flow to the skin.
• High blood pressure can damage delicate arterioles over time.

Indicates small veins that collect blood from capillaries and feed into larger veins. Venules serve as a transition point from the microcirculation back to the larger circulatory system.

• The venules collect deoxygenated blood from the capillary beds.
• Venules are important for the return of blood to the heart.

Used in biology and medicine to describe tiny blood vessels or tubes.

• The capillary network supplies blood to every cell in the body.
• Capillary action allows plants to draw water from their roots.

General term used to describe any cylindrical hollow object, often for conveying liquids or gases.

• The plumber replaced the broken tube.
• Insert the sample into the test tube for analysis.

Commonly used in laboratories to transfer or measure small amounts of liquids with precision.

• The scientist used a pipette to add a few drops of the solution.
• Remember to use a pipette for accurate measurement in your experiment.

Used in both biology and general language to describe a container or a channel for fluids, such as blood vessels in the body or containers like pots and ships.

• Blood vessels transport blood throughout the body.
• The sailors prepared the vessel for the journey.