How is the structure of a capillary related to its function?

The capillaries are very small blood vessels in the body that take the blood to the individual body cells. They transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells ( the cell needs these to survive) and remove carbon dioxide and waste products. It is within these vessels that the exchange of these products happens between the body cells and the blood vessel. Capillaries have very thin walls that are only 1 cell thick. These walls are also very permeable (leaky!!). This allows the carbon dioxide, oxygen and nutrients to diffuse between cells and vessels. They carry blood at a very low pressure so don't need any muscular walls.

CC
Answered by Charlotte C. Biology tutor

26898 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name three common components of blood; as well as how they are removed from the plasma


How are the alveoli adapated for gas exchange


i) Briefly explain the difference between anaerobic and aerobic respiration (2). ii) Which of these reactions produce more energy and briefly describe why?(2)


Why might a person with coeliac disease have poor growth?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences