T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Capillaries are the smallest diameter blood vessels and connect arterioles and venules. Their wall is a one-layer endothelium.
Mesentery contains examples of continuous capillaries. Pericytes may be associated with the endothelium. They extend cytoplasmic processes around capillaries.
Cross-sections of capillaries are most easily found in the adipose tissue.
Capillary #1 - a red blood cell in the lumen next to the nucleus of an endothelial cell.
Capillary #2 - a red blood cell in the lumen next to the nucleus of an endothelial cell.
Capillary #3 - an endothelial cell nucleus and a nucleus of a pericyte. Endothelial cell nuclei are usually smaller and more darkly stained those of pericytes.
Capillary #4 - an endothelial cell nucleus and a nucleus of a pericyte.
Longitudinal section of a capillary containing red blood cells. The flattened nuclei of endothelial cells are visible.