Prekapillaries
Prekapillaries, also known as precapillary sphincters or precapillary metarterioles, are specialized structures found in the microvasculature
These structures are characterized by their smooth muscle cells, which can contract or relax in response to
In the kidneys, prekapillaries are particularly important for regulating glomerular filtration rate and maintaining renal function.
In the lungs, prekapillaries are involved in the regulation of ventilation-perfusion matching, ensuring that blood flow
Prekapillaries are also found in the gastrointestinal tract, where they help to regulate blood flow to the
In summary, prekapillaries are essential structures in the microvasculature that play a critical role in regulating