háræðunum

Háræðunum is an Icelandic word that translates to "capillaries" in English. Capillaries are the smallest of the blood vessels, forming a network that connects the smallest arteries (arterioles) to the smallest veins (venules). Their primary function is the exchange of substances between the blood and the body's tissues.

These microscopic vessels have extremely thin walls, typically only one cell thick. This thinness facilitates the efficient diffusion of oxygen, nutrients, and other essential molecules from the blood into the surrounding cells. Simultaneously, waste products, such as carbon dioxide, are picked up from the tissues and transported back into the bloodstream to be eliminated from the body.

The vast network of capillaries ensures that every cell in the body has access to the materials it needs for survival and function. Blood flow through capillaries is relatively slow, allowing sufficient time for these crucial exchanges to occur. Conditions affecting capillaries can impact overall health, highlighting their vital role in maintaining physiological balance.