arteriole

[ ahr-teer-ee-ohl ]

noun

1. Anatomy. any of the smallest branches of an artery, terminating in capillaries.

arteriole

/ ɑːˈtɪərɪˌəʊl /

noun

1. anatomy any of the small subdivisions of an artery that form thin-walled vessels ending in capillaries

arteriole

/ är-tîr′ē-ōl′ /

1. Any of the smaller branches of an artery, especially one that connects with a capillary.

Other Words From

• ar·teri·olar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arteriole¹

1830–40; < New Latin artēriola, equivalent to Latin artēri ( a ) artery + -ola -ole ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of arteriole¹

C19: from New Latin arteriola, from Latin artēria artery

Example Sentences

They start to secrete renin and substances that trigger other changes: New nerves grow like weeds; immature smooth muscle cells build up; scars form around the tiny blood vessels, called arterioles; and inflammatory cells infiltrate.

From Science Daily

The marker also proved capable of showing information about the microenvironment, such as whether blood cell production was occurring within sinusoids or arterioles, two distinct types of blood channels found within bone marrow.

From Science Daily

They also reduced heart muscle growth and scaring while prompting arteriole formation and growth.

From Science Daily

Small arteries and arterioles in the limbs also relax over the course of pregnancy, enhancing blood flow and cooling.

From Science Magazine

The answer often lies in the smaller branches and twigs of the vascular system—arterioles and capillaries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to heart muscle.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• artery
• capillary
• vein