Arteriole

An arteriole is one of several types of blood vessels that transport blood around the body.

Other blood vessels include arteries, veins, venules and capillaries.

The structure of an arteriole is:

Arterioles are tiny branches of arteries that lead to capillaries. Arterioles are under the control of the sympathetic nervous system, and constrict and dialate to regulate blood flow.

The functions of arterioles include:

• Transport blood from arteries to capillaries
• Arterioles are the main regulators of blood flow and pressure.

For more information about blood vessels and the components (sometimes called the 'constituents') of blood see the pages about the the structure and functions of blood vessels and the structure and functions of blood. This might interest students of holistic massage, reflexology, beauty therapies, or health-related courses.