CAPILLARY BED Meaning and
Definition
-
A capillary bed refers to a network or system of microscopic blood vessels found within tissues and organs of the body. The capillary bed acts as an intermediary connecting arterioles (small arteries) and venules (small veins), facilitating the exchange of vital substances between the blood and surrounding tissues.
Capillary beds are composed of numerous narrow and thin-walled capillaries, designed to maximize surface area and allow for efficient diffusion of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. The extensive branching and density of capillaries within the bed ensure that every cell within the tissue or organ is in close proximity to a capillary, guaranteeing adequate oxygenation and nutrient supply.
The function of a capillary bed involves two main processes: perfusion and exchange. Perfusion refers to the process through which blood flows through the capillaries, regulated by the constriction and dilation of arterioles. Exchange, on the other hand, refers to the transfer of substances between the blood and interstitial fluid surrounding the cells, driven by a combination of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
Capillary beds play a crucial role in supporting the overall functioning and health of tissues and organs throughout the body. They are particularly important in the processes of gas exchange, nutrient and waste exchange, regulation of blood pressure, immune response, and thermoregulation. Without the intricate network of capillary beds, the delivery of essential substances to cells and removal of waste products would be severely compromised, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction.
Common Misspellings for CAPILLARY BED
- xapillary bed
- vapillary bed
- fapillary bed
- dapillary bed
- czpillary bed
- cspillary bed
- cwpillary bed
- cqpillary bed
- caoillary bed
- calillary bed
- ca-illary bed
- ca0illary bed
- capullary bed
- capjllary bed
- capkllary bed
- capollary bed
- cap9llary bed
- cap8llary bed
- capiklary bed
Etymology of CAPILLARY BED
The word "capillary bed" is derived from the term "capillary" combined with the word "bed".
The term "capillary" originates from the Latin word "capillaris", which means "of hair", referencing the hair-like appearance of the tiny blood vessels known as capillaries. In the mid-17th century, the word "capillary" started being used in biology to describe the fine blood vessels that connect arteries and veins.
The word "bed" comes from the Old English word "bedd", which means a place for resting or sleeping. In the context of "capillary bed", it refers to the collective network of capillaries that provide a resting place for blood flow, nutrient exchange, and tissue perfusion.
Similar spelling words for CAPILLARY BED
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
