capillary vein
Noun: A very small vein that directly connects to and continues from a blood capillary. It is part of the microcirculatory system where blood begins its return journey to the heart after exchanging gases and nutrients with tissues.
The term "capillary vein" is a precise anatomical term. It is used to describe the specific type of venule (small vein) that collects blood from capillaries. * In medical and biological contexts, it is often synonymous with "postcapillary venule" or simply "venule." * It is a technical term and is not typically used in everyday conversation.
- In anatomy:
- In physiology:
- In a textbook:
- In pathology: Inflammation often causes white blood cells to adhere to and migrate through the walls of the capillary vein.
- In research:
- Venule (noun): The more common general term for a small vein. A capillary vein is a type of venule.
- Postcapillary venule (noun): A direct synonym, emphasizing its position after the capillary.
- Vena capillaris (noun): The Latin-derived term used in formal anatomical nomenclature.
- Venule
- Postcapillary venule
The term "capillary vein" is sometimes used interchangeably with "venule," though it can specifically refer to the smallest venules that are the immediate continuation of true capillaries. It is distinct from larger veins and from arterial capillaries.
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a minute vein continuous with a capillary
