ARTERIOLE Meaning and
Definition
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An arteriole is a small blood vessel that branches out from an artery and further divides into even smaller vessels called capillaries. Arterioles play a crucial role in the circulatory system by regulating blood flow to tissues and organs.
The structure of an arteriole consists of a thin layer of smooth muscle cells surrounding a lumen. The smooth muscle cells have the ability to contract or relax, allowing them to adjust the diameter of the vessel and control the amount of blood that flows through it. This contraction and relaxation process is mediated by various signals from the nervous system, hormones, and local chemical factors.
By constricting or dilating, arterioles can regulate the distribution of blood throughout the body. When the smooth muscles contract, the arteriole narrows, leading to vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow. Conversely, when the smooth muscles relax, the arteriole widens, resulting in vasodilation and increased blood flow.
The diameter of arterioles is a major determinant of blood pressure. Narrowing of arterioles can significantly increase blood pressure, while widening of arterioles decreases blood pressure. By altering their diameter, arterioles participate in maintaining adequate blood pressure and promoting optimal blood supply to tissues and organs.
Arterioles also have a crucial role in regulating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues. They connect the high-pressure arterial system to the low-pressure capillary network, ensuring a controlled and gradual decrease in blood pressure as it reaches the capillaries. This gentle transition facilitates efficient exchange of substances at the capillary level while protecting delicate tissues from excessive pressure.
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A minute artery; a terminal artery continuous with the capillary network.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ARTERIOLE
Etymology of ARTERIOLE
The word "arteriole" comes from the combination of two words: "artery" and the suffix "-ole".
The term "artery" originates from the Latin word "arteria", which is derived from the Greek word "artēria". "Artēria" referred to the windpipe or the artery of the neck. In the ancient understanding of anatomy, arteries were believed to carry air rather than blood.
The suffix "-ole" is derived from Latin and is used to form diminutive nouns, meaning a smaller or lesser version of the root term. In the case of "arteriole", the suffix "-ole" is attached to "artery" to convey the idea of smaller arteries.
Therefore, the word "arteriole" combines the concept of smaller or lesser arteries through the addition of the suffix "-ole" to the word "artery".
Similar spelling words for ARTERIOLE
- oratorially,
- Artrip,
- arteriola,
- arteritis,
- intra-arterial,
- Street-orderly,
- arteria,
- uretero-ureteral,
- arterially,
- Arterberry,
- un-orderly,
- artery,
- dis-orderly,
- arterialise,
- arterburn,
- Arteriolae,
- Oratorial,
- arteriogram,
- arteriolar,
- orderly,
- Cardio-arterial,
- ureteral,
- orderly-room,
- ORDHWERL,
- arterialize,
- arterial.
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