mikrovaskulaarsüsteem

The mikrovaskulaarsüsteem, or microvascular system, refers to the smallest blood vessels in the body, playing a crucial role in the exchange of substances between the blood and tissues. This intricate network comprises capillaries, which are the smallest and most numerous of these vessels, along with precapillary arterioles and postcapillary venules. Capillaries have extremely thin walls, often consisting of a single layer of endothelial cells, facilitating efficient diffusion of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

The microvascular system is vital for supplying oxygen and nutrients to all cells and removing metabolic byproducts such as carbon dioxide. Its function is essential for maintaining cellular health and tissue homeostasis. The regulation of blood flow within the microvasculature is complex, involving local factors like metabolic demand, as well as neural and hormonal influences. Changes in the microvasculature are implicated in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, wound healing, and the progression of diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Understanding the microvascular system is therefore fundamental to comprehending overall circulatory function and various disease mechanisms.