Arterioles
Arterioles
Arterioles (/ɑːrˈtɪər.i.oʊlz/) are small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries. They play a crucial role in regulating blood flow and pressure.
Etymology
The term "arteriole" is derived from the Latin word arteriola, a diminutive of arteria, which means artery.
Function
Arterioles are responsible for controlling the distribution of blood to different parts of the body. They achieve this by constricting or dilating, which changes the resistance to blood flow. This process is known as vasoconstriction and vasodilation respectively.
Structure
Arterioles have a layer of smooth muscle in their walls which allows them to contract and expand. This is different from larger arteries, which have more layers of muscle and connective tissue.
Related Terms
- Artery: A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
- Capillary: The smallest blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste occurs.
- Vasoconstriction: The constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.
- Vasodilation: The dilation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arterioles
- Wikipedia's article - Arterioles
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