a vessel in the human or animal body in which blood circulates. The vessels that carry blood away from the heart are called arteries (artery), and their very small branches are arterioles. Very small branches that collect the blood from the various organs and parts are called venules, and they unite to form veins (vein), which return the blood to the heart. Capillaries (capillary) are minute, thin-walled vessels that connect the arterioles and venules; it is through the capillaries that nutrients and wastes are exchanged between the blood and body tissues. See artery; capillary; vein.