What are small vessels that connect capillaries to veins called?

The small vessels that connect capillaries to veins are known as venules. Venules collect deoxygenated blood from the capillary beds and transport it towards larger veins, playing a critical role in the circulatory system. This connection is vital for the flow of blood as it ensures that blood that has delivered oxygen and nutrients to tissues is efficiently returned to the heart.

Arterioles, on the other hand, are the small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries, serving a different function within the circulatory system. Capillaries are the tiny blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs, but they are not vessels that connect to veins. Veins are larger blood vessels that return blood to the heart, but they are not connected directly to capillaries; rather, they are fed by venules. Understanding the correct terminology and function of these vessels is important for comprehending blood circulation in the body.