Microcirculation and Capillary Exchange

The cardiovascular system functions to deliver blood around the body to keep tissues alive by delivering water, oxygen, nutrients, and removing waste. Microcirculation, including arterioles, capillaries, and venules, is crucial for these processes. At the capillary bed, substances are exchanged through various forces, such as hydrostatic pressure pushing fluids out and osmotic pressure pulling them back in. Continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoidal capillaries allow different levels of permeability for exchange.