VASODILATATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Vasodilatation is a physiological process characterized by the expansion or widening of blood vessels, specifically arterioles and small blood vessels called capillaries. It occurs as a result of the relaxation of smooth muscle cells that surround these blood vessels, allowing them to increase in diameter and promote increased blood flow to specific areas of the body.
The primary purpose of vasodilatation is to regulate blood flow and maintain homeostasis within the body. By widening the blood vessels, it reduces resistance to blood flow and decreases blood pressure, ultimately increasing the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and other essential substances to various tissues and organs.
Vasodilatation can be triggered by several factors, including chemical, neural, and physical stimuli. Chemical vasodilators, such as nitric oxide and prostaglandins, are released by cells in response to low oxygen levels, inflammatory signals, or other physiological processes. Neural signals from the autonomic nervous system can also induce vasodilatation, either through the release of neurotransmitters or inhibition of vasoconstrictors. Additionally, physical factors like heat, exercise, or massage can increase vasodilatation in specific parts of the body.
The opposite of vasodilatation is vasoconstriction, which is the constriction or narrowing of blood vessels. Both processes work in tandem to control blood flow and maintain optimal circulatory function throughout the body.
-
Dilatation of the blood-vessels.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VASODILATATION
- vasodialation
- vasodilattion
- vasodilation
- casodilatation
- basodilatation
- gasodilatation
- fasodilatation
- vzsodilatation
- vssodilatation
- vwsodilatation
- vqsodilatation
- vaaodilatation
- vazodilatation
- vaxodilatation
- vadodilatation
- vaeodilatation
- vawodilatation
- vasidilatation
- vaskdilatation
- vasldilatation
Etymology of VASODILATATION
The word "vasodilatation" is derived from two roots: "vaso-" and "dilatation".
1. "Vaso-" comes from the Latin word "vas", which means "vessel". In this context, it refers specifically to the blood vessels. It is also related to the Latin word "vāsāri", meaning "to carry" or "to bear".
2. "Dilatation" is derived from the Latin word "dilatatio", which means "widening" or "expansion". It is a noun form of the verb "dilatare", which means "to spread out" or "to enlarge".
Therefore, the word "vasodilatation" can be understood as the widening or enlargement of the blood vessels. It is commonly used in medical terms to describe the relaxation and expansion of the walls of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
