The correct spelling of the term vat capillary is "vas capillare". The word is of Latin origin, consisting of two parts: "vas" meaning vessel and "capillare" referring to small hairlike structures as seen in the capillaries of the human body. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /væs kəˈpɪləri/. It is an important term in the study of physiology, as understanding the structure and function of the capillaries is crucial in maintaining overall health.
Vas capillare refers to a small, thin-walled blood vessel that plays a crucial role in the circulatory system, serving as the link between arteries and veins. It is the smallest and most abundant type of blood vessel within the human body, forming an extensive network throughout all tissues and organs. The term "vas capillare" is derived from vas, meaning "vessel" in Latin, and capillaris, meaning "hair-like" or "thread-like."
Due to their microscopic size, vas capillare vessels are barely visible to the naked eye. They typically have a diameter ranging from 5 to 10 micrometers, resembling hair strands in appearance. Each vas capillare is composed of a single layer of endothelial cells, allowing for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and hormones between the blood and surrounding tissues. This transfer occurs through a process called diffusion, facilitated by the thinness of the capillary walls.
The distribution and density of vas capillare vessels vary according to the metabolic requirements of different tissues. Organs with high metabolic activity, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, have a more extensive capillary network. In contrast, tissues with relatively lower metabolic demands, such as tendons or cartilage, have fewer capillaries.
The intricate network of vas capillare vessels enables the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells while also facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products. Without the presence of vas capillare vessels, the supply of vital substances would be severely compromised, leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction.
Capillary (3), or capillary vessel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the phrase "vas capillare" comes from Latin.
The word "vas" in Latin means "vessel" or "container". In this context, it refers to the blood vessels in the human body.
The word "capillare" derives from the Latin term "capillus", which means "hair". It was originally used to describe the tiny, hair-like structures on the surface of some plant leaves or animal organs. However, it was later adopted in anatomy to describe the smallest blood vessels in the body, which resemble hair-like tubes due to their thin and delicate structure.
Therefore, "vas capillare" can be translated as "hair-like vessel" or "capillary vessel", referencing the tiny blood vessels in the body that connect arteries with veins.