Venulusok

Venulusok is the Hungarian term for venules, the small vessels that form the early part of the venous drainage in the circulatory system. In anatomical usage, venules collect blood from capillary beds and channel it into larger veins, serving as a transitional stage between the microcirculation and the venous network.

Anatomy and distribution: Venules are thin-walled vessels lined by endothelium with a surrounding basement membrane. In the smallest venules, walls are mostly endothelial with little smooth muscle, while muscular venules have a thin tunica media. Pericytes may surround some venular segments, contributing to vascular stability. Venules are widespread throughout tissues and organs, with postcapillary venules playing a prominent role in many inflammatory processes.

Function: The primary function of venulusok is to drain capillary blood and funnel it toward larger veins. They help regulate microcirculatory resistance and tissue perfusion. A key feature of postcapillary venules is their role as major sites of leukocyte extravasation during inflammatory responses, allowing immune cells to exit the bloodstream and enter affected tissues.

Clinical relevance: Changes in venular permeability and reactivity can contribute to edema and inflammatory pathology. Venulous dysfunction or enlargement may be observed in various vascular or inflammatory disorders. Imaging and histological assessment of venules can aid in understanding microvascular health in health and disease.

Etymology and terminology: The term venulus is Latin for a small vein, and venulusok is the plural form in Hungarian. In English-language anatomy, these vessels are commonly referred to as venules.