15 Questions
What is the main function of capillaries in the body?
Exchanging blood and nutrients between body tissues and the bloodstream
What is the diameter of a capillary?
10-7 micrometers
What is the composition of capillaries' walls?
Single layer of simple squamous epithelium and a basement membrane known as tunica intima
Which substances can enter and exit the bloodstream through capillaries' thin and permeable walls?
Nutrients, wastes, gases, liquids, ions, and hormones
What is one of the functions of capillaries?
Allowing the exchange of metabolites between vascular system
Which blood vessels connect the smallest arteries to the smallest veins?
Capillaries
What is the main function of capillaries in the liver?
To remove red blood cells and some bacteria
Which mechanism allows small molecules like gasses, lipids, and lipid-soluble compounds to pass through the membranes of capillary walls?
Diffusion
What defines Bulk Flow as a transport mechanism in capillaries?
It is significantly more effective than diffusion alone
What occurs in Capillary leak syndrome?
Plasma leaks out of tiny blood vessels into muscle, organs, and body cavities
What is Edema?
A condition where fluid builds up in nearby tissues leading to swelling
What is the role of osmosis in capillary transporting mechanisms?
Water transport
What defines Filteration (hydrostatic pressure) in capillary transporting mechanisms?
"Push" of volumes of fluid from an area of higher pressure in a capillary bed to an area of lower pressure in the tissues
Which disease occurs when non-cancerous tumors are made up of abnormal tiny blood vessels in the skin or internal organs?
"Capillary hemangioma"
"Net filteration pressure" depends on which factor?
"The volume of the blood"
Study Notes
Capillary Functions and Structure
- The main function of capillaries is to facilitate the exchange of substances between the bloodstream and tissues.
- The diameter of a capillary is typically 5-10 micrometers, allowing for the exchange of substances.
- Capillary walls are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells, which are thin and permeable.
Substances Exchanged Through Capillaries
- Oxygen, nutrients, and other essential substances can enter the bloodstream through capillaries.
- Waste products, carbon dioxide, and other substances can exit the bloodstream through capillaries.
Capillary Functions
- One of the functions of capillaries is to enable the exchange of substances between the bloodstream and tissues.
- Capillaries connect the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.
- In the liver, the main function of capillaries is to facilitate the exchange of substances between the bloodstream and liver cells.
Transport Mechanisms in Capillaries
- The mechanism of diffusion allows small molecules like gases, lipids, and lipid-soluble compounds to pass through the membranes of capillary walls.
- Bulk Flow is a transport mechanism in capillaries that involves the movement of fluids through the capillary walls.
- Filteration (hydrostatic pressure) is a transport mechanism in capillaries that involves the movement of fluids through the capillary walls due to pressure differences.
Capillary-Related Disorders
- In Capillary leak syndrome, the capillary walls become permeable, allowing fluids to leak out into the tissues.
- Edema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues.
- Osmosis plays a role in capillary transporting mechanisms by facilitating the movement of fluids through the capillary walls.
Other Relevant Information
- "Net filteration pressure" depends on the difference between hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressure.
- Angiofibroma is a disease that occurs when non-cancerous tumors are made up of abnormal tiny blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.
Explore the physiology of capillary circulation with this presentation covering the structure, function, mechanism, and diseases related to capillaries. Learn about the smallest blood vessels in the body and their vital role in connecting arteries to veins.
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