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UKcapillary
/kˈæpɪləɹi/
/ˈkæpəˌɫɛɹi/Capillary
[NOUN]1
(anatomy) any of the small and thin-walled branching blood vessels that connect the arterioles and venules
synonyms : capillary vessel
What is a "capillary"?
A capillary is the smallest blood vessel in the human body, consisting of a single layer of endothelial cells. Capillaries connect arteries and veins, facilitating the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues. They play a crucial role in delivering essential substances to cells and removing metabolic waste. Capillaries have a large surface area due to their small size and extensive network, ensuring efficient exchange and supporting the proper functioning of every cell in the body.
2
a tube of small internal diameter; holds liquid by capillary action
Examples
1. Capillary refill is less than 3 seconds.
2. These capillaries go around the tubes.
3. One mechanism is capillary trapping.
4. We built these lungs one capillary at a time.
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