Definition

Noun A very small blood vessel that is an artery and connects directly to capillaries. It is part of the microcirculation system, carrying oxygenated blood from larger arteries toward the capillary beds where exchange with tissues occurs.

Usage

The term "capillary artery" is a precise anatomical term. It is used to describe the specific type of small arterial vessel in scientific, medical, and biological contexts. * The capillary artery constricts to reduce blood flow to the surface of the skin. * Damage to a capillary artery can lead to localized bleeding. * Researchers observed the dilation of the capillary artery under the microscope.

Advanced Usage

• Terminological Note: In many modern anatomical texts, the term arteriole is more commonly used than "capillary artery." An arteriole is defined as a small-diameter blood vessel that extends and branches from an artery and leads to capillaries. Therefore, "capillary artery" and "arteriole" are often considered synonymous in function and description.

Variants and Related Words

• Arteriole (noun): The more standard contemporary term for a small artery that leads into a capillary bed.
• Metarteriole (noun): A specific type of vessel that is intermediate between an arteriole and a true capillary, often having muscular sphincters to regulate flow.
• Capillary (noun): The tiny, thin-walled vessel where the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances occurs between blood and tissues.
• Microcirculation (noun): The circulation of blood in the smallest blood vessels, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules.

Synonyms

• Arteriole
• Terminal artery (in specific contexts)

Related Terms and Concepts

• Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of blood vessels, such as capillary arteries/arterioles, which increases blood pressure.
• Vasodilation: The widening of blood vessels, such as capillary arteries/arterioles, which increases blood flow.
• Precapillary sphincter: A band of smooth muscle that adjusts blood flow into true capillaries, often located at the junction of a metarteriole and a capillary.

Noun

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