Prekapilläre

Prekapilläre refers to structures within the circulatory system that precede capillaries. These are typically arterioles, which are small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries. Arterioles are characterized by their muscular walls, which allow them to regulate blood flow into the capillary beds through vasoconstriction and vasodilation. This precise control of blood flow is crucial for distributing oxygen and nutrients to tissues according to their metabolic needs and for regulating systemic blood pressure.

The transition from arterioles to capillaries involves a gradual decrease in vessel diameter and wall thickness. Arterioles branch into metarterioles, which are intermediate vessels that may still possess smooth muscle cells. These metarterioles then directly feed into the true capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels and the primary sites of exchange between blood and tissues. The prekapilläre segment, primarily the arteriole, plays a vital role in determining the pressure and flow characteristics within the subsequent capillary network. Disruptions in prekapilläre function can have significant consequences for tissue perfusion and overall cardiovascular health.