Which vessels gather blood from the capillaries into the veins?

Venules are small blood vessels that play a crucial role in the circulatory system. They collect deoxygenated blood from the capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs. Once blood has passed through the capillary beds and delivered oxygen to the tissues, it enters the venules. These vessels then converge to form veins, which carry the blood back towards the heart.

Understanding the function of venules is essential because they serve as a transition point between the capillary networks and the larger venous system. This function is vital for ensuring that blood is returned to the heart efficiently, allowing for proper circulation and the continuation of the respiratory and metabolic processes throughout the body. The other options represent different components of the circulatory system. Arterioles are small branches of arteries that lead to capillaries, capillaries are the sites of nutrient and gas exchange, and the aorta is the largest artery, carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Each of these has distinct roles, but it is the venules that specifically gather blood from the capillaries.