How do capillaries constrict?

[scilearner]

Hello everyone,

 

Capillaries are just a single layer of endothelial cells with no muscle tissue so how do these constrict? Thanks

[Greippi]

There are various methods in which capillaries can be constricted or dilated - you have to think about what is surrounding the capillary (i.e. the tissue it runs through) For example, capillaries in muscle do have muscle which can control the blood flow through them. There is research being done that indicates that pericytes (cells found around small blood vessels) may play a role in regulation of capillary blood flow by responding to hormones.

[scilearner]

There are various methods in which capillaries can be constricted or dilated - you have to think about what is surrounding the capillary (i.e. the tissue it runs through) For example, capillaries in muscle do have muscle which can control the blood flow through them. There is research being done that indicates that pericytes (cells found around small blood vessels) may play a role in regulation of capillary blood flow by responding to hormones.

 

Thanks for the response Are you saying that when the artery attached to capillary constrict or dilate, the capillary follows in the same direction?

[Greippi]

Could be the case. But don't forget that capillaries run through tissue, so changes in the tissue will have an effect on the volume of a capillary.

[scilearner]

Could be the case. But don't forget that capillaries run through tissue, so changes in the tissue will have an effect on the volume of a capillary.

 

In inflammation they say capillaries dilate and become more permeable. I want to know how they dilate in this case?

[insane_alien]

scilearner this page describes it quite well http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capillary

 

we've told you before about doing your own research first.