Metaerioles, vessels interposed between aerioles and capillary beds.
The proximal poion of a central channel is known as a metaeriole, whereas its distal poion is the thoroughfare channel. Blood from metaerioles may enter the capillary bed if their precapillary sphincters are relaxed. If the precapillary sphincters of metaerioles are constricted, blood bypasses the capillary bed and flows directly into thoroughfare channels and from there into a venule.
Function to control blood flow into aerioles.
Receive blood from thoroughfare channels
Possess precapillary sphincters.
Possess a complete layer of smooth muscle cells in their tunica media.
Circulation