VENULES Meaning and
Definition
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Venules are small blood vessels found at the end of capillary beds, which are responsible for collecting deoxygenated blood from tissues and organs and returning it to the heart. These vessels play a crucial role in the circulatory system, forming a network that ensures the continuous flow of blood throughout the body.
Venules are characterized by their small diameter, thin walls, and lack of smooth muscle fibers. Their walls consist of a single layer of endothelial cells, which are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the vessel. Unlike arteries, which have thick and elastic walls to accommodate the high pressure of oxygenated blood, venules do not need to withstand such high pressures, and therefore have thinner walls.
As capillaries deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, they also remove waste products and carbon dioxide. After completing this exchange, the deoxygenated blood and waste is collected by venules. These venules join together to form larger veins, which eventually merge to become the superior and inferior vena cava, the two largest veins in the body, returning the blood to the heart.
Venules often have valves along their walls that prevent blood from flowing backward. These valves ensure that blood flows in only one direction, towards the heart, and help to prevent the pooling of blood in the limbs. Dysfunction of these valves can lead to conditions such as varicose veins, where veins become dilated and blood accumulates.
Common Misspellings for VENULES
Etymology of VENULES
The word "venules" comes from the Latin term "venula", which means a little vein. It is the diminutive form of "vena" meaning a vein. Venules are tiny blood vessels that collect blood from capillaries and deliver it to larger veins. The term "venule" was first introduced in the late 17th century to describe these small venous vessels.
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