Vasomotor nerve refers to the nerve that regulates the constriction and dilation of blood vessels. Its correct spelling is pronounced as /veɪsəʊˈmoʊtər nərv/. The first syllable, "va", is pronounced as "vay" with the first vowel being a diphthong. The second syllable, "so", is pronounced as "soh" with a long "o" sound. The third syllable, "mo", is pronounced as "moh" with a long "o" sound. The final syllable, "tor", is pronounced as "ter" with a silent "e". The word "nerve" is pronounced as "nerv" with the final "e" being silent.
A vasomotor nerve, also known as vasoconstrictor nerve, refers to a specialized type of nerve that regulates the constriction and dilation of blood vessels throughout the body. These nerves are a part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls several involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure.
The vasomotor nerves are responsible for maintaining the balance between vasoconstriction and vasodilation, two opposing processes that regulate the diameter of blood vessels. When the vasomotor nerves stimulate vasoconstriction, the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls contract, causing the vessels to narrow. This constriction increases the resistance to blood flow and raises blood pressure. Conversely, when these nerves stimulate vasodilation, the smooth muscles relax, leading to the widening of blood vessels. Vasodilation increases blood flow and reduces resistance, ultimately lowering blood pressure.
The vasomotor nerves receive signals from the brain and respond to various stimuli, including changes in temperature, blood oxygen levels, and emotional stress. These nerves are under the control of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which is often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. The sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that binds to specific receptors on blood vessels, leading to vasoconstriction.
Overall, the vasomotor nerves play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis by regulating blood flow and controlling blood pressure. Dysfunction or imbalance in these nerves can lead to various medical conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure).
A motor n. effecting dilatation (vasodilator n.) or contraction (vasoconstrictor n.) of the blood-vessels.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vasomotor" is derived from two components: "vaso" and "motor".
1. "Vaso-" comes from the Latin word "vas" meaning "vessel". In this context, it refers to the blood vessels in our circulatory system.
2. "-Motor" is derived from the Latin word "motus" meaning "motion" or "movement". It is related to the verb "movere" which means "to move".
Therefore, "vasomotor" can be understood as "related to the movement or control of blood vessels".
When combined with "nerve", it refers to a nerve that controls the contraction or relaxation of blood vessels, regulating blood flow and blood pressure.