Systemic capillaries

  1. Home
  2. »
  3. Anatomy
  4. »
  5. Systemic capillaries

The systemic capillaries are tiny delicate blood vessels that sustain life. They bridge the gap between the arteries and veins of the circulatory system.

It is at this microscopic location that the respiration and nourishment of the cells of the human body take place.

Essential Vital Functions

The heart, like a pump, ensures the circulation of blood to all the organs of the human body. For these organs to function properly, they require a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen. Similarly, they need to dispose of their waste. This is where the bloodstream truly comes into play.

The Human Body’s Plumbing System

In a metaphorical sense, the circulation of blood in the human body can be compared to the plumbing system that supplies water pipes and distribution appliances in a house, thereby enabling its use. Our vascular system consists of arteries, veins, and capillaries, all serving as blood vessels.

Blood is transported to organs by arteries, then utilized by cells at the capillary level, the smallest and finest blood vessels.

The capillaries are like the sinks, the washbasins of your house. That’s where you use the water.

Just as domestic wastewater is drained to sewers through sink drains, bathtubs, and others, the human body eliminates its waste through its blood vessels, primarily the veins.

Lavabo

The Capillaries of the Systemic Circulation

Capillaries act as points of connection between the arteries and systemic veins. These are microscopic vessels where blood cells circulate single file, thus facilitating the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the cells of organs and muscles. These vessels also play a crucial role in the elimination of waste and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Laid end to end, the capillaries in the human body extend to nearly 81,000 kilometers in length.

Capillaries can be likened to perforated drains covered with a membrane that prevents proteins and blood cells from escaping while allowing blood fluids to exit or re-enter circulation. Normally, a balance is maintained, thus preventing any fluid buildup in organs.

All cells bathe in this fluid where oxygen and nutrients diffuse, while waste is eliminated in the same manner.

Cells Take Oxygen and Produce CO2

In short, cells require fuel for their functioning, primarily oxygen. The cells capture oxygen to be used in their metabolic processes, producing carbon dioxide (CO2) as waste, which must be expelled from the body.

Toxic Waste and CO2 Must be Disposed Of

Toxic waste and CO2 are collected by red blood cells and plasma in the capillaries, then transported to the veins and eventually to the heart.

Waste is eliminated by the liver and kidneys, while CO2 is expelled from the lungs through respiration.

From High Concentration to Low Concentration

All these exchanges, whether of nutrients or waste, occur through diffusion, which is the movement of substances from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Exchanges Are Done at the Capillary Level

It is through the capillaries that all exchanges, including those of fluids, take place. Capillaries regulate excess fluids by maintaining a balance between incoming and outgoing volume. Under normal conditions, this means there is no accumulation of fluid in the organs.