Which type of capillary is characterized by a discontinuous basement membrane, allowing for the easy passage of larger molecules and cells?

• A. Continuous capillaries.
• B. Fenestrated capillaries.
• C. Sinusoid capillaries.
• D. Muscular capillaries.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of capillaries: Capillaries are small blood vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues.
2. Identify the types of capillaries: There are three main types of capillaries - continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoid.
3. Define continuous capillaries: These have a continuous basement membrane and endothelial lining, allowing only small molecules to pass through.
4. Define fenestrated capillaries: These have pores in the endothelial cells, allowing for increased permeability, but the basement membrane remains continuous.
5. Define sinusoid capillaries: These have a discontinuous basement membrane and large openings, allowing for the passage of larger molecules and cells, such as in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.