Image for Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, Richard E Klabunde PhD

Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts

Richard E. Klabunde, PhD

Topics:


Also Visit
CVpharmacology.com


Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts 3e textbook cover

Click here for information on Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, 3rd edition, a textbook published by Wolters Kluwer (2021)


Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts textbook cover

Click here for information on Normal and Abnormal Blood Pressure, a textbook published by Richard E. Klabunde (2013)


 


Microcirculation Structure and Function

The microcirculation comprises arterioles, capillaries, venules, and terminal lymphatic vessels.

Arterioles

Capillaries

Continuous (found in muscle, skin, lung, central nervous system) − basement membrane is continuous and intercellular clefts (between adjacent endothelial cells) are tight (i.e., have tight junctions); these capillaries have the lowest permeability.

Fenestrated (found in exocrine glands, renal glomeruli, intestinal mucosa) − perforations (fenestrae) in endothelium result in relatively high permeability.

Discontinuous (found in liver, spleen, bone marrow) − large intercellular gaps and gaps in basement membrane result in extremely high permeability. 

Venules

Terminal Lymphatics

Revised 12/27/2022

 

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.