kapillärnätet

Kapillärnätet, also known as the capillary network, refers to the intricate system of tiny blood vessels called capillaries within the body. These vessels are incredibly small, typically only about 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter, just wide enough for red blood cells to pass through in single file. The primary function of the capillary network is to facilitate the exchange of essential substances between the blood and the body's tissues.

Through their thin walls, capillaries allow for the diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from the blood to the surrounding cells, while simultaneously collecting carbon dioxide and other waste products from these cells to be transported away. This vital exchange is crucial for maintaining cellular function and overall organismal health. The sheer density and extensive reach of the capillary network ensure that virtually every cell in the body has direct access to this life-sustaining exchange.

The structure of capillaries is highly adapted for their role. Their walls are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells, which minimizes the distance for diffusion. This remarkable network is an indispensable component of the circulatory system, connecting arterioles to venules and forming the interface where metabolism truly occurs at the cellular level. Without the efficient functioning of the capillary network, the delivery of resources and the removal of waste would be severely compromised.