it14spr102.txt

One of the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the tissues. There are two divisions: pulmonary; carry deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and systemic; carry oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.

A minute artery, especially one that, at its distal end, leads into a capillary. Small branch of an artery that communicates with a capillary network.

A form of squamous epithelium consisting of flat cells that line the blood and lymphatic vessels, the heart, and various other body cavities.

A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels, which decreases blood flow and raises blood pressure.

Dilation of blood vessels, especially small arteries and arterioles.

Fibers of nerves that innervate the smooth muscle in the walls of arteries and veins and thereby alter or preserve vascular tone.

A tiny vein continuous with a capillary.

Any one of various membranous structures in a hollow organ or passage that temporarily close to permit the flow of fluid in one direction only.

Arteries are known as these because through the autonomic nervous system they are able to control blood flow through vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Vessels carrying deoxygenated blood to the heart, except for the pulmonary veins which carry oxygenated blood.

Veins are known as these due to their ability to be used as blood reservoirs and contain greater diameter lumens.

An abnormal connection between an artery and the venous system.