Capillaries
Fundamentals:
- Location of diffusion
- Delicate vessels with a single endothelial cell layer that allows for the exchange of nutrients and gases
Anatomy:
- Precapillary sphincter (entrance)
- Smooth muscle
- Regulates the flow of blood
- Basement membrane
- Endothelium
Specifications/Fundamentals:
- Total cross sectional area 3000cm^2
- Blood pressure 25 mmHg
- Volume of blood 5-7%
- Velocity 2 cm/s
Concept:
- Just large enough for a red blood cell to squeeze through
Terminology:
- Endothelial cells - Aorta, Arteries and Arterioles
