You are on page 1of 1

CAPILLIARIES OF VEINS AND ARTERIES

Arteries and veins run parallel throughout the body, with a web-like network of capillaries, embedded in tissue, connecting them. Capillaries are very thin, fragile blood vessels that receive oxygen-rich blood from arteries, exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide and then deliver the waste-rich blood to the veins. Capillaries are only one epithelial cell thick and blood can only flow through them in a single file. The red blood cells inside the capillary release their oxygen, which passes through the wall and into the surrounding tissue. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body. Their structure consists of just a single layer of endothelial cells. Water and other small-molecule substances can pass through this wall. Capillaries act as a link between arteries and veins. No valves can be found in the capillaries. The exchange of blood and tissue takes place at the capillary bed. Capillaries contain about 5% of blood at any time, and no pulse can be felt in one. The tissue releases its waste products, e.g. carbon dioxide, which pass through the wall and into the red blood cells. The exchange occurs and the waste blood is carried back to the heart and lungs through the veins.

Capillaries of Arteries:Capillaries of Arteries are muscular blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except the pulmonary and umbilical arteries). Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood at high pressure, so they are tough on the outside and smooth on the inside. The arteries have three layers and the smoothness of the inner layer enables blood to flow easily with no obstacles. They also help to push the rapid flow of blood when the ventricles are relaxed and the heart is refilling. As the arteries become smaller the tunica media consists almost entirely of smooth muscle. These cannot stretch as much as the larger arteries. They still pass a small amount of blood through them, directing it elsewhere in the circulation. These small arteries are known as arterioles. Arteries contain about 20% of blood at any one time. You can feel your pulse in an artery.

Capillaries of Veins:Capillaries of Veins are blood vessel channels that carry waste-rich blood back to the lungs and heart. Veins carry blood at a lower pressure than the arteries, so they are not as tough as the arteries. They have three layers, which are thinner and contain less tissue than those in the arteries. The veins have valves inside them, which help ensure the blood flows in one direction through the veins and that the blood flows against the force of gravity. Veins are the blood vessels that carry deoxygenated. The walls of the veins are thinner than the arteries, you will find less muscle and elastic tissue in the tunica media. Some veins have valves in them to ensure the flow of blood travels to the heart, and not backwards. The smallest of the veins (furthest away from the heart) are known as venules. Veins contain about 75% of blood at ant time. There is lower pressure in the vein, compared to that of the arteries, so no pulse can be felt.

You might also like