Which type of blood vessel connects capillaries and veins?

The correct choice is venules, as these are small blood vessels that serve as connectors between capillaries and larger veins. When blood passes through the capillaries, it enters venules, which collect the deoxygenated blood and eventually merge to form veins. This structure is crucial for the proper functioning of the circulatory system, allowing for the efficient return of blood to the heart after it has delivered oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

In contrast, arteries carry blood away from the heart, while capillaries are tiny vessels where the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs. Veins are larger vessels that transport blood back to the heart, but they do not directly connect to capillaries; that role is fulfilled by venules. Understanding this connection between the different types of blood vessels is important for comprehending how blood circulates throughout the body.