Blood Vessels: Arterioles, Capillaries, & Venules

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Histological section showing three components of the microcirculation: arteriole, capillary, and venule. The arteriole has a small round lumen lined by endothelium, surrounded by a tunica media of two to three layers of smooth muscle cells and an outer tunica externa of dense connective tissue. The capillary consists of a single endothelial cell layer forming its wall. The venule has a larger lumen lined by endothelium, a thin tunica media with sparse smooth muscle, and a tunica externa of dense connective tissue. The image illustrates structural differences between these vessels in terms of wall thickness and composition.
Histology Image
University of British Columbia, K. Pinder

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