Capillaries are the smallest vessels in the circulatory system with walls only one-cell thick. They facilitate the exchange of materials between the blood and surrounding cells, allowing for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste products.
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Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the circulatory system, connecting arterioles (small arteries) and venules (small veins). Their thin walls consist of a single layer of endothelial cells, facilitating the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues. Capillaries play a crucial role in the circulatory system by enabling the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products. This exchange occurs through diffusion, facilitated by the proximity of capillaries to the body’s cells. Additionally, capillaries regulate blood flow to tissues by controlling their diameter via smooth muscle cells, ensuring optimal perfusion and tissue function.