Which type of blood vessel directly connects arterioles and venules?

Capillaries serve as the key connection between arterioles and venules. They are tiny blood vessels that facilitate the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between blood and surrounding tissues. Arterioles, which are small branches of arteries, lead into capillaries where the blood flow slows down to allow for this exchange. After passing through the capillary network, the blood is collected into venules, which are small veins that convey blood back towards larger veins and eventually to the heart.

The structure and function of capillaries are specifically designed for this critical interconnection, enabling efficient transport and exchange at a cellular level. In contrast, veins and arteries are responsible for larger-scale blood flow and do not directly connect arterioles and venules. Venules are the vessels that collect blood from capillaries but do not connect arterioles themselves, indicating the unique role of capillaries in this circulatory pathway.