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Capillaries

AQA AS-level BiologyMass Transport in AnimalsLesson 25 of 27

Capillaries exchange metabolic materials such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and glucose between the blood and cells of the body.

Their walls consist mostly of the endothelium layer lining the blood vessels making them extremely thin for rapid diffusion.

There are numerous and they are highly branched, providing a large surface area for exchange.

Diagram

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Key terms in this lesson

diffusion
The net passive movement of molecules or ions from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, down a concentration gradient.

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