Kapillaarijärjestelmän

Kapillaarijärjestelmän, or the capillary system, refers to the network of tiny blood vessels in the human body. These vessels, called capillaries, are the smallest in the circulatory system and are crucial for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and the body's tissues. Capillaries are incredibly thin, often only a single cell thick, which facilitates this vital exchange. They connect the smallest arteries (arterioles) to the smallest veins (venules).

The capillary system forms an extensive network throughout almost all parts of the body, ensuring that every cell receives the necessary substances for survival and function. The process of diffusion across the capillary walls is driven by differences in concentration. For example, oxygen is transported from the blood to the tissues where its concentration is lower, while carbon dioxide moves from the tissues to the blood where its concentration is higher.

The sheer number and widespread distribution of capillaries are remarkable. If all the capillaries in an adult human were laid end to end, they would stretch for thousands of miles. This vast network is essential for maintaining homeostasis, the stable internal environment of the body. Without the efficient functioning of the capillary system, cellular respiration and metabolic processes would not be possible, and life as we know it could not be sustained. Diseases affecting the circulatory system often impact the capillary network, leading to various health problems.