What term describes the small blood vessels that connect arterioles and venules?

The small blood vessels that connect arterioles and venules are known as capillaries. These vessels are vital components of the circulatory system, as they facilitate the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products between blood and surrounding tissues. Capillaries are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells, which allows for efficient diffusion and transport across their thin walls. This unique structural characteristic is essential for the capillaries' function, distinguishing them from other blood vessels such as arteries and veins, which have thicker walls and different roles in the circulatory system. The specific link between arterioles (small arterial branches that lead into capillaries) and venules (small veins that collect blood from capillaries) illustrates the flow of blood and how oxygenated and deoxygenated blood is managed in the body.