Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

19. The Blood Vessels

Capillaries

Anatomy & Physiology

19. The Blood Vessels

Capillaries

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Multiple Choice

Why do capillaries need to be thin-walled?

To prevent the backflow of blood into the veins.

To facilitate the rapid exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.

To withstand high blood pressure from the heart.

To allow for the storage of large volumes of blood.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the primary function of capillaries: Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body and their main role is to facilitate the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues.

Consider the structure of capillaries: Capillaries have very thin walls, typically only one cell layer thick, which is crucial for their function.

Analyze why thin walls are important: The thin walls of capillaries allow for efficient diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products. This is because the shorter the distance these substances have to travel, the faster and more efficiently they can be exchanged.

Evaluate the options given: The options include preventing backflow, withstanding high pressure, and storing blood. Consider which of these functions align with the structure and primary role of capillaries.

Conclude with the correct reasoning: The thin walls of capillaries are essential for their role in the rapid exchange of substances, which is why the correct answer is to facilitate the rapid exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.