What Are Capillaries?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. Regulation
Capillaries also play a very important role in regulating the flow of blood to our cells. If our blood pressure was to drop, for example, then the capillaries would help ensure that the supply of nutrients and oxygen continues to flow regardless.
The flow is regulated with help from precapillary sphincters, which are muscle fibers that can contract or relax in order to help regulate the flow of blood through the capillaries. In addition, exercise will stimulate the production of more capillary beds (capillary networks). This enables the body to handle greater oxygen demands when the demand for oxygen increases.
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