The word "vasomotion" is spelled with five letters ("v," "a," "s," "o," and "n"), and is pronounced \ˈveɪsoʊˌmoʊʃən\ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "v" sound is produced by placing the top teeth on the bottom lip while exhaling through the mouth. The "a" sound is pronounced as in "cat," while "s" is the voiceless alveolar sibilant. "O" sounds like "oh," and "n" is the voiced alveolar nasal. "Motion" is added as a suffix, creating the final word meaning blood vessel contraction and relaxation.
Vasomotion refers to the rhythmic and cyclic contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels. It is a phenomenon commonly observed in small blood vessels, such as capillaries and arterioles. These vessels play a crucial role in the regulation of blood flow and distribution within the body.
During vasomotion, the smooth muscles in the vessel walls undergo periodic contractions and relaxations, causing the lumen or the inner diameter of the blood vessels to change. This cyclic constriction and dilation process can create a pulsatile flow of blood through these vessels.
Vasomotion is a dynamic process regulated by several factors, including the autonomic nervous system, hormones, metabolic factors, and local signaling molecules. It helps to regulate blood pressure, control blood flow to specific tissues or organs, and maintain overall vascular tone.
This phenomenon is particularly important in the microcirculation, where vasomotion helps to distribute blood and essential nutrients to tissues efficiently. It also aids in waste removal and regulates the exchange of gases, substances, and cells between the blood and surrounding tissues.
Vasomotion may be influenced by various physiological and pathological conditions, including exercise, stress, inflammation, and certain diseases. Abnormalities in vasomotion can lead to vascular disorders such as hypertension, Raynaud's disease, and vascular insufficiency.
In summary, vasomotion is the cyclic constriction and dilation of blood vessels, primarily in the microcirculation, which helps regulate blood flow, blood pressure, and tissue perfusion within the body.
Change in caliber of a blood-vessel.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "vasomotion" is a compound word derived from two separate elements: "vaso-" and "-motion".
1. "Vaso-" is derived from the Latin word "vas", meaning "vessel". In this context, it refers to blood vessels, specifically the arteries, veins, and capillaries.
2. "-Motion" is derived from the Latin word "motio", which means "movement" or "motion". It indicates the act or process of moving.
Therefore, when combined, "vasomotion" refers to the rhythmic, involuntary constriction and relaxation of blood vessel walls, causing the smooth muscles in blood vessels to contract and relax, altering the diameter of the vessels and regulating blood flow.