CAPILLARIES Meaning and
Definition
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Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body that play a crucial role in the circulatory system. They are characterized by their small size and thin walls, measuring about 5-10 micrometers in diameter, which allows for efficient exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues.
Capillaries connect the arterial and venous systems, forming an intricate network throughout the body. They are found in nearly all tissues and organs, including muscles, organs, and even individual cells. Due to their expansive and extensive distribution, capillaries ensure that no cell in the body is far from a source of oxygen and nutrients.
The walls of capillaries consist of a single layer of specialized endothelial cells, which are lined with a thin basement membrane. This unique structure allows for the exchange of substances such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, glucose, and waste products, between the blood and surrounding tissues through a process called diffusion. Additionally, capillaries can regulate blood flow by constricting or dilating their diameter to control the amount of blood reaching specific tissues.
Capillaries also play a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure. They connect small arterioles to small venules through a network known as the capillary bed. This allows for the gradual decrease in the pressure of blood as it moves from arteries to veins and ensures efficient circulation throughout the body.
Overall, capillaries are a vital component of the circulatory system, providing a pathway for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the removal of waste products.
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In anat., the extremely fine extremities of the arteries, & c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of CAPILLARIES
The word "capillaries" comes from the Latin word "capillaris", which means "of or pertaining to hair". This is because the capillaries are small, hair-like blood vessels that connect arteries and veins in the circulatory system. The term was first used in this context by the Italian anatomist Marcello Malpighi in the 17th century. He named them "capillaries" due to their fine and thin appearance, resembling little hairs.
Similar spelling words for CAPILLARIES
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