What Are Capillaries?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
2. Three Types
Capillaries can be placed into three main categories: continuous, fenestrated, and discontinuous (sinusoidal). Continuous capillaries are located in the fat, muscle, nerve tissue, and in the muscle of our bodies. These only allow very small molecules to pass through and they have no perforations.
Fenestrated capillaries are found in the endocrine glands, intestines, and kidneys. These allow small molecules to pass through small pores in the capillary walls. Discontinuous capillaries are found in the bone marrow, the spleen, and in the lymph nodes. These have pores in their walls that are large enough to allow blood cells to pass through them.
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