Blood velocity through capillaries is slow because
A) much blood volume is lost from the capillaries.
B) the pressure in venules is high.
C) the total cross-sectional area of capillaries is larger than that of arterioles.
D) the osmotic pressure in capillaries is very high.
E) erythrocytes must pass through in single file.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total cross-sectional area of capillaries is larger than that of arterioles, which slows down blood velocity as more surface area is available for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues.

Blood Velocity Through Capillaries Is Slow Because