BMW3010 - Multimorbiditeit in Obesitas - Case 8

BMW3010 – Multimorbiditeit in Obesitas – Case 8




WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE MICROVASCULAR SYSTEM ?


Smooth muscle architecture: arteries  arterioles  terminal arterioles
 Supplying muscle fibers (via capillaries)
 Rich network
Each terminal arteriole with its capillaries form the smallest unit of control for
capillary perfusion (=microvascular unit).
Venules are arrayed as arterioles and found between two terminal arterioles. Lymph
vessels originate within muscle and can ascend with arterioles or venules.

NOTE: terminal arterioles can increase the endothelial surface area by increasing the
fraction of perfused capillaries through vasodilation and SMC-driven vasomotion, thus
enhancing nutrient exchange.