WORKSHOP IN HISTOLOGY, CYTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY - 2016

Chapter 5. SPECIAL HISTOLOGY

Cardiovascular System

Slide 79. Arterioles, capillaries, venules.

Staining: hematoxylin and eosin.

Magnification: x400.

To understand the interrelations within the microcirculatory bed, one should examine a whole-mount spread preparation, which allows viewing Blood Vessels in their entirety rather than in cross-section. Select an area on the slide containing small vessels so that their connection with capillaries is clearly visible.

Arterioles (1), representing the initial segment of the microcirculatory bed, are identified by the characteristic arrangement of smooth myocytes (2). The rod-shaped nuclei of myocytes on the anterior and posterior walls of arterioles project into the lumen, giving the wall a distinctive striated appearance. Through the arteriolar wall, pale, elongated, oval endothelial nuclei (3) are faintly visible; their long axis runs parallel to the course of the vessel.

Venules (4) feature a thinner wall, darker endothelial nuclei, and several rows of red Blood Cells filling their lumen.

Capillaries (5) are delicate vessels with the smallest diameter and the thinnest wall, consisting of a single layer of endothelial cells. Erythrocytes are arranged in a single file within the capillary lumen. One can also observe the sites where capillaries branch off from arterioles and drain into venules. Loose Connective Tissue (6) of typical Structure is located between the vessels.

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Slide 79. Arterioles, capillaries, venules.



Last update: 07/08/2026

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