What are venules?

Venules are indeed small veins that collect blood from capillaries. They serve as the small conduits that allow deoxygenated blood to flow from the intricate network of capillaries, where gas exchange occurs, back towards larger veins and eventually to the heart. Venules play a critical role in the circulatory system, as they facilitate the return of blood after oxygen has been delivered to tissues and organs.

This option accurately describes their function and anatomical structure. Blood moves from capillaries, where nutrients and oxygen are exchanged for waste products, and enters the venules, which then coalesce into larger veins. Understanding venules is important for grasping how blood circulates through the body and the roles different types of blood vessels play in this system.