Definition

Noun: A very small branch of an artery that leads into a capillary network. Arterioles are muscular blood vessels that help regulate blood pressure and control blood flow into the capillaries.

Usage

The word "arteriole" is a specific anatomical and medical term. It is used to describe a precise structure within the circulatory system. It functions as a count noun (e.g., an arteriole, the arterioles).

Examples

• The arteriole constricted, reducing blood flow to the surface of the skin.
• High blood pressure can cause damage to the walls of the arterioles.
• The surgeon carefully avoided the tiny arteriole during the procedure.

Advanced Usage

• Arteriolar (adjective): Pertaining to or of the nature of an arteriole.
  • The patient exhibited signs of arteriolar narrowing.
• In physiology, the term is central to discussions of vascular resistance: "Arteriolar tone is a major determinant of peripheral vascular resistance."

Variants and Related Words

• Arteriole is the standard noun form.
• Arteriolar is the derived adjective.
• Arteriolitis (noun): Inflammation of the arterioles.

Different Meanings

The word "arteriole" has a single, specific meaning in anatomy and medicine. It does not have common metaphorical or alternative definitions.

Synonyms

• Artery (though this is a broader term for the larger vessels from which arterioles branch).
• Blood vessel (a very general term encompassing arteries, veins, capillaries, arterioles, and venules).
• Precapillary arteriole (a more precise synonym, sometimes used interchangeably).

Idioms

There are no common idioms that use the word "arteriole."

Phrasal Verbs

There are no phrasal verbs associated with the word "arteriole."

Noun

1. one of the small thin-walled arteries that end in capillaries