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The capillaries are the smallest blood vessels. They are important for gas exchange in the lungs, and for providing nutrition and removing waste products in tissues throughout the body. The lining endothelial cells produce potent hormonal factors such as the gas nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, and endothelin, which constricts vessels. The primitive form of endothelin forms a toxin in scorpions and in the asp, which is said to have caused the death of Cleopatra by inducing severe narrowing of the coronary arteries leading to a fatal heart attack.

Reduced capillary density occurs with cardiovascular risk factors, as well in established cardiovascular disease, as a result of endothelial cell [EC] degeneration or a decrease in the ability of endothelial cells to form new blood vessels. Capillary numbers are reduced in patients with high blood pressure as well as in their children. It is now possible to see capillaries in life, using a specialised imaging method called capillary videomicroscopy. At this exhibit you will be able to: find out more about high blood pressure, have your blood pressure measured, and see capillary videomicroscopy in action. take part in a keypad interactive quiz about heart disease.