blood vessel

noun

1. any of the vessels, as arteries, veins, or capillaries, through which the blood circulates.

blood vessel

noun

1. an artery, capillary, or vein

blood vessel

1. An elastic tube or passage in the body through which blood circulates; an artery, a vein, or a capillary.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blood vessel¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

In particular, prolonged standing can raise blood pressure as the body boosts circulation to the lower limbs by constricting blood vessels and increasing the pumping power of the heart.

From Science Daily

The pertussis toxin can trigger a reaction that produces a high white blood cell count, Yeganeh said — potentially causing sludging in the blood vessels leading to the lungs.

From Los Angeles Times

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 transducers transmit and receive ultrasound waves that track changes in the diameter of blood vessels, which are then converted into blood pressure values.

From Science Daily

This interaction damages blood vessels and is closely linked to the development of life-threatening complications.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• artery
• capillary
• vein