Microcirculation
| Definition: |
The circulation of the BLOOD through the microvascular network lying between the ARTERIOLES and VENULES. This network includes CAPILLARIES, metarterioles, and ARTERIOVENOUS ANASTOMOSES; and the flow of blood through this network. |
| Notes: |
IM GEN only; NIM as coord with specific organ /blood supply; not for lymphatic microcirc ( = LYMPHATIC SYSTEM /physiol); Manual 21.5; DF: MICROCIRC |
| Previously Indexed: |
Blood Circulation (1966-1969),Capillaries (1966-1969) |
Microcirculation Categories.
 |
Arteriovenous Anastomosis - A vessel that directly interconnects an artery and a vein, and that acts as a shunt to bypass the capillary bed. Not to be confused with surgical anastomosis, nor with arteriovenous fistula. |
|
Capillaries - The minute vessels that connect the arterioles and venules. |
|
Venules - The minute vessels that collect blood from the capillary plexuses and join together to form veins. |
Microcirculation Definitions and Terms
MedicalGlossary.org is designed as a free, browsable resource for all. The medical terms and definitions are not intended to replace medical informaion provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Please see a doctor if you need medical assistance. Don't see the medical term you were researching? Send us an e-mail from our "about us" page. We will do our best to research and classify new medical terms in a timely manner. Our current list of medical terms is over 26,000. Data sources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004 Medical Subject Headings.
|
