artériole

Arteriole is a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries. These vessels are crucial components of the circulatory system, playing a significant role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. Their diameter is typically between 10 to 100 micrometers. The walls of arterioles are composed of three layers: the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa. The tunica media, containing smooth muscle, is particularly important as it allows arterioles to constrict or dilate, thereby controlling resistance to blood flow and influencing systemic blood pressure. This ability to change their diameter is known as vasomotion. The precise control of blood flow into capillary beds is a primary function of arterioles. By adjusting their resistance, they ensure that organs and tissues receive the appropriate amount of oxygenated blood based on their metabolic needs. Diseases affecting arterioles, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, can have widespread consequences for cardiovascular health. Arterioles are found throughout the body, branching off from smaller arteries and progressively narrowing as they approach the capillary network. They are the final pathway for arterial blood before it enters the microcirculation.