Capillary bed

Definition

A capillary bed is a network of capillaries within a tissue or organ where exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues occurs. This fine branching network allows for the efficient delivery and removal of substances at the cellular level.

Related terms

Arterioles:

Small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries, controlling blood flow into the capillary beds through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Venule: Small vessels that drain blood from the capillary beds and join to form veins, carrying deoxygenated blood back toward the heart.

Gas exchange: The process by which oxygen is transported to cells and carbon dioxide is carried away from cells, primarily occurring within the capillary beds.