Capillaries

Description:

As arterioles and venules become even smaller, they eventually form capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body. They are in charge of providing body tissues with oxygen through the capillary walls and removing carbon dioxide from body tissues via diffusion. It also must maintain fluid levels with hydrostatic and osmotic pressure.

Diseases and Conditions

Port-Wine Stain

Also called a birthmark, it is where capillaries become dilated and cause an area of darker skin. It is prone to bleeding easier.

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome

The capillaries are prone to leaking, contributing to lower blood pressure and nasal congestion.

Macular degeneration

If the capillaries in the retina are damaged, it can lead to vision loss. It occurs mostly among elders since the process is gradual.