The capillary bed is an important
component of the skin.
(The skin is also known as the "integument",
or "integumentary
system").
"Capillary bed" is the term used to refer to the
network of capillaries (small blood vessels) in the hypo-dermis (which
is also known as the "sub-cutaneous") layer of the skin.
These capillary
networks are supplied with blood by
arterioles
and drained of blood by venules. Each capillary is a tiny blood vessel
whose walls are only one cell thick, and so enable the exchange of oxygen,
carbon dioxide, water, and salts between the blood varied through the
capillary vessels and the surrounding tissues.
To view the location of the capillary bed
relative to the other key components of the skin see:
Diagram
of the Structure of the Skin. This may be of particular interest
to students of courses in massage,
reflexology, beauty therapies, and other clinical courses. |
