vaskulatuur

Vaskulatuur refers to the entire network of blood vessels within a living organism. This includes arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. The primary function of the vaskulatuur is to transport blood, which carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other essential substances to all parts of the body. Simultaneously, it facilitates the removal of waste products, such as carbon dioxide, from tissues.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. They branch into smaller vessels called arterioles, which then lead to capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels, forming a dense network within tissues. It is at the capillary level that the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products occurs between the blood and the surrounding cells.

After passing through the capillaries, deoxygenated blood collects in venules, which merge to form larger veins. Veins carry deoxygenated blood back towards the heart. The vaskulatuur is a dynamic system, constantly adapting to the body's needs. Its structure and function are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and overall health. Diseases affecting the vaskulatuur, such as atherosclerosis or hypertension, can have significant and widespread consequences for the organism.