Kapillärendotelens

Kapillärendotelens refers to the endothelial cells that line the capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the circulatory system, forming a network that connects arterioles to venules. The endothelial cells are a single layer of cells that form the inner lining of these vessels. This thin layer is crucial for the exchange of substances between the blood and the surrounding tissues.

The primary function of kapillärendotelens is to facilitate transport. They are selectively permeable, allowing essential molecules like oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to pass from the blood into the tissues, while simultaneously enabling waste products such as carbon dioxide and metabolic byproducts to move from the tissues into the blood for removal. This exchange occurs through various mechanisms, including diffusion, transcytosis, and filtration.

Beyond transport, kapillärendotelens play active roles in regulating blood flow and maintaining the integrity of the vascular system. They can synthesize and release substances that influence vasodilation and vasoconstriction, thereby controlling blood pressure and directing blood to areas of need. They also participate in inflammatory responses, immune cell trafficking, and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The structure and function of kapillärendotelens can vary slightly depending on their location in the body, adapting to the specific metabolic demands of different organs and tissues.