Microcirculatory system

The microcirculatory system refers to the network of microvessels—including arterioles, capillaries, and venules—with diameters less than 100 μm that constitute the terminal vascular bed within tissues. Its main roles are the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to parenchymal cells, removal of metabolic waste, regulation of fluid and solute exchange, immune cell migration, and contribution to tissue homeostasis and hemostasis. Unlike conventional drug targets (e.g., single receptors or enzymes), the microcirculatory system describes an anatomical and physiological structure composed of multiple cell types such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes. "Microcirculatory system" describes a structural and physiological network, not a molecule, receptor, or single drug target. It is a medical system/compartment relevant to multiple disease processes but does not directly correspond to standard molecular pharmacological targets.

Other names

Microcirculationmicrovascular systemterminal vascular networkmicrovasculature