Capillary resistance

Capillary resistance refers to the resistance to blood flow within capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body. It is determined by physical factors such as vessel diameter, length, and blood viscosity. Unlike discrete molecular targets such as receptors or enzymes, capillary resistance represents the aggregate effect of the microvasculature's structure and function on hemodynamics, influencing tissue perfusion and exchange of nutrients and gases[5][3][1]. Abnormal capillary resistance is implicated in various cardiovascular and microcirculatory diseases. It is not considered a molecular target for drug development, but rather a physiological parameter arising from the properties of the microvessel wall, especially in the context of vasomotion, pericyte activity, blood rheology, and local control mechanisms[1][5][3].

Other names

Precapillary resistancemicrovascular resistance