Circulatory System: Arteries and Capillaries

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the anatomy and function of arteries and capillaries in the circulatory system.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Elastic Arteries

Large diameter arteries with thick tunica intima and thin tunica externa, designed to accommodate high pressure and stretch.

Muscular Arteries

Arteries with thick walls due to layers of smooth muscle, involved in vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Arterioles

Small arteries that transport blood to capillaries, characterized by the presence of all three tunics.

Capillaries

Microvessels that facilitate exchanges between blood and interstitial spaces.

Continuous Capillaries

Capillaries with no gaps between endothelial cells, making them less permeable.

Fenestrated Capillaries

Capillaries with numerous fenestrae, allowing for high permeability; often found in areas like the intestines.

Sinusoidal Capillaries

Capillaries with large diameters and fenestrae, having less basement membrane; commonly found in endocrine glands.