Unit 2.15 – Capillaries Copy
Blood and capillary network
Blood is supplied to the skin by small blood vessels known as blood capillaries, these enter the lower regions of the dermis and rise to supply the pilosebaceous follicles and the subepidermal network which also supplies the epidermis. The blood flow within the skin operates as an aid to vital respiration. Capillaries also help with the heat regulation by dilating (widening) and constricting (narrowing) to prevent body heat losses. Sensory nerves – the skin contains sensory nerve endings that detect changes in the environment and send messages to the brain. These nerves respond to touch, pressure, pain, cold and heat and allow us to recognise objects from their feel and shape.
Sensory Nerves
The skin contains sensory nerve endings that detect changes in the environment and send messages to the brain. These nerves respond to touch, pressure, pain, cold and heat and allow us to recognise objects from their feel and shape.