Capillaries are the smallest and most fragile of the body's blood vessels. Capillaries are responsible for what is known as microcirculation, meaning that they create a circulatory network within the organs of the body. There are three different types of capillaries found in the human body. These types are referred to as continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoidal capillaries. The differences in the various types of capillaries is due to the location in the body as well as the particular function of the capillary.

The role of the capillary is to connect the arterioles and the venules. Arterioles are small blood vessels that branch out from arteries, while the venules branch out from veins. Arteries are the vessels that carry clean, nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the remainder of the body. Veins carry the blood back to the heart once the nutrients have been absorbed by the various cells and tissues of the body. The individual capillary does not work alone, as these vessels form a network in order to carry out their role in the circulatory system.

Continuous capillaries get their name from the fact that the cells forming them provide a continuous lining with no interruptions. There are very tight junctions inside of these small blood vessels. This only allows the smallest of molecules, such as water molecules, to penetrate through the vessel lining. This type of capillary is found in areas of the body such as the central nervous system, skeletal muscles, and skin.

Fenestrated capillaries contain very small pores or openings called fenestra. These vessels allow small molecules as well as limited amounts of protein nutrients to pass through their walls. This type of blood vessel is most commonly found in the endocrine system of the body. The endocrine system helps to regulate growth and reproduction and includes such glands as the pituitary and thyroid. Fenestrated capillaries are also found in lesser degrees in other organs, including the kidneys, pancreas, and the intestines.

The other type of capillary found in the human body is known as the sinusoidal capillary. The shape of these vessels is a bit irregular, not having the typical cylindrical shape of the other capillary types. These vessels can also be fenestrated, although due to their irregular shape, they are categorized separately. These vessels are found in organs such as the liver and spleen, as well as in the bone marrow and portions of the endocrine system.