arteriole A blood vessel that branches off an artery. Arterioles themselves branch to form capillaries. Arterioles are intermediate in size between arteries and capillaries. They have a high proportion of smooth muscle in their walls, and their nerve supply enables them to be narrowed or widened to meet decreases or increases in the blood-flow needs of the tissues they supply. Related category • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |