What are the characteristics of fenestrated capillaries?

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Multiple Choice

What are the characteristics of fenestrated capillaries?

Fenestrated capillaries are defined by small pores (fenestrae) in the endothelial lining that increase permeability to fluids and small solutes. They still have tight junctions between endothelial cells to limit paracellular leakage and retain a complete basement membrane around the vessel. This combination—pores in the endothelium plus intact tight junctions and a continuous basement membrane—best describes their structure and function, giving high but selective permeability suitable for tissues like the kidneys, endocrine glands, and intestinal mucosa. The other descriptions fit different capillary types: continuous capillaries lack pores; sinusoidal capillaries have large gaps between endothelial cells and an incomplete basement membrane, allowing even larger molecules and cells to pass.

Fenestrated capillaries are defined by small pores (fenestrae) in the endothelial lining that increase permeability to fluids and small solutes. They still have tight junctions between endothelial cells to limit paracellular leakage and retain a complete basement membrane around the vessel. This combination—pores in the endothelium plus intact tight junctions and a continuous basement membrane—best describes their structure and function, giving high but selective permeability suitable for tissues like the kidneys, endocrine glands, and intestinal mucosa.

The other descriptions fit different capillary types: continuous capillaries lack pores; sinusoidal capillaries have large gaps between endothelial cells and an incomplete basement membrane, allowing even larger molecules and cells to pass.

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