noun
- the smallest blood vessels in the body that connect arteries and veins, allowing exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues
Usage: anatomy; biology
Examples
- Blood flows from arteries through capillaries to veins.
- Oxygen passes from the lungs into capillaries during breathing.
- The capillaries in your skin help regulate body temperature.
- Damaged capillaries can cause bruising under the skin.
- Exercise improves blood flow through the capillaries.
- The retina contains many tiny capillaries that can be seen during an eye exam.