Microvasculature

Microvasculature (pronunciation: /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈvæskjʊlətʃər/) refers to the smallest blood vessels in the body, including the arterioles, venules, and capillaries. These vessels are responsible for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients between the blood and the body's cells.

The term "microvasculature" is derived from the Greek words "micros" meaning small, and "vasculum" meaning little vessel.

Arteriole: Small branch of an artery leading into capillaries.
Venule: Small vein that collects blood from capillaries and drains into larger veins.
Capillary: The smallest of the body's blood vessels, they connect arterioles and venules and enable the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and many other nutrients and waste substances between the blood and the surrounding tissues.
Endothelium: The thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, including those of the microvasculature.
Pericyte: Contractile cells that wrap around the endothelial cells of capillaries and venules throughout the body.

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