What is the term for a small terminal artery with muscular walls that continues into the capillary network?

The term for a small terminal artery with muscular walls that continues into the capillary network is "arteriole." Arterioles are the smallest branches of arteries and play a critical role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. Their muscular walls allow for the adjustment of their diameter, which in turn influences the resistance to blood flow and the distribution of blood to various tissues.

Arterioles serve as the main site of vasoconstriction and vasodilation, responding to various physiological stimuli to either decrease or increase blood flow to specific areas based on tissue demand. As arterioles lead into the capillary bed, they transition into the capillaries where nutrient and gas exchange occur between blood and tissues. This unique structure and function make arterioles vital components in the microcirculation and overall circulatory system.

In contrast, capillaries are the smallest blood vessels that allow for the exchange of materials; arteries are larger vessels that carry blood away from the heart; and venules are small vessels that collect blood from capillaries and transport it back to veins. The distinction of arterioles is crucial for understanding vascular physiology and the regulation of blood flow.