Capillary and red blood cell. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through a capillary from a nerve fibre, showing a single red blood cell (red) almost filling the lumen (inner space) of the capillary. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body, only a few micrometres across, just large enough for the passage of red blood cells. The capillary lining consists of endothelial cells. Here, a pericyte can be seen surrounding the capillary. Pericytes are contractile cells that wrap around the endothelial cells of capillaries and venules. Magnification: x4000 when printed 10 centimetres wide.