What are the small vessels that supply the wall of larger blood vessels called?

The small vessels that supply the wall of larger blood vessels are called vaso vasorum. These tiny vessels are essential for providing nutrients and oxygen to the outer layers of larger blood vessels, such as arteries and veins, which cannot absorb sufficient oxygen and nutrients from the blood flowing through them due to their thickness. Without a supply from the vaso vasorum, the walls of these large vessels would not be able to maintain their integrity and function properly, which is vital for the overall health of the cardiovascular system.

In contrast, other options pertain to different subjects or functions in the body. For example, vasa publica refers to public or governmental vessels and is unrelated to the circulatory system. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization, while vasopressin is a hormone involved in regulating water retention and blood pressure. These distinctions help clarify the specific role that vaso vasorum plays in the anatomy and physiology of blood vessels.