A Level Biology Practice Exam

Which term best describes small blood vessels that lead to capillaries?

1. Veins

2. Arterioles

3. Capillary beds

4. Arteries

The correct answer is: Arterioles

The term that best describes small blood vessels that lead to capillaries is indeed "Arterioles." Arterioles are the smaller branches of arteries and play a crucial role in regulating blood flow and pressure before the blood reaches the capillary beds where nutrient and gas exchange occurs. Arteries transport blood away from the heart, but they are typically larger and have thicker walls. Veins, on the other hand, carry blood back to the heart, and are also larger than arterioles. Capillary beds refer to networks of capillaries themselves, not the vessels leading to them. Therefore, arterioles serve as an essential transition from larger arteries to the tiny capillaries, effectively managing blood flow into the capillary networks.