METARTERIOLE Meaning and
Definition
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A metarteriole is a type of blood vessel that plays a crucial role in the circulatory system. It is a small, intermediate vessel that connects an arteriole (small artery) to capillaries, the smallest and thinnest blood vessels in the body.
Metarterioles are unique compared to other blood vessels due to their ability to function as both arterioles and capillaries. They are capable of regulating blood flow by dilating or constricting, depending on the body's needs. By constricting, metarterioles can divert blood away from certain capillary beds, while dilating can increase blood flow to specific tissues. This enables the metarterioles to direct blood to areas that require more oxygen and nutrients, such as muscles during physical exertion.
In addition to their role in regulating blood flow, metarterioles also serve as precursors to true capillaries. They are characterized by having an irregular muscular layer that can partially constrict to regulate blood flow. As blood passes through the metarterioles, it can either enter the capillaries, where oxygen and nutrient exchange occurs with surrounding tissues, or be diverted back into the larger arterioles. This flexible function allows for precise control of blood distribution and pressure throughout the body.
Overall, metarterioles are essential components of the microcirculation system, enabling selective blood flow, nutrient exchange, and overall maintenance of optimal tissue perfusion and function.
Common Misspellings for METARTERIOLE
- netarteriole
- ketarteriole
- jetarteriole
- mwtarteriole
- mstarteriole
- mdtarteriole
- mrtarteriole
- m4tarteriole
- m3tarteriole
- merarteriole
- mefarteriole
- megarteriole
- meyarteriole
- me6arteriole
- me5arteriole
- metzrteriole
- metsrteriole
- metwrteriole
- metqrteriole
- metaeteriole
Etymology of METARTERIOLE
The word "metarteriole" is derived from two components: "meta-" and "arteriole".
1. "Meta-" is a combining form used in Greek to denote the concept of "after" or "beyond". It often indicates a transformation or change. In the context of "metarteriole", it refers to an arterial vessel that is transitional or intermediate in nature.
2. "Arteriole" is a diminutive form of "artery" and refers to a small, muscular blood vessel that branches out of an artery and leads into capillaries. The term "arteriole" comes from the Latin word "arteriola", which means "small artery".
When combined, "meta-" and "arteriole" form "metarteriole", which refers to a segment of a blood vessel that has characteristics of both arterioles and capillaries.
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