Definition

1. Noun:
   • The widening of blood vessels, particularly arteries: Vasodilation is a physiological process where the smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels relaxes, resulting in an increase in the internal diameter of the vessel. This process decreases vascular resistance and increases blood flow.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The medication induces vasodilation to lower blood pressure.
  • During exercise, vasodilation in skeletal muscles delivers more oxygen and nutrients.
  • Facial flushing is a visible sign of cutaneous vasodilation.

Advanced Usage

• "Endothelium-dependent vasodilation": Refers to vasodilation mediated by substances (like nitric oxide) released from the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels. This is a key marker of vascular health.

  • Impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation is an early sign of atherosclerosis.

• "Reflex vasodilation": Widening of blood vessels triggered by a neural reflex, often in response to heat or specific chemicals.

  • Applying heat to the skin causes reflex vasodilation to cool the body.

Variants and Related Words

• Vasodilator (noun): A substance or agent that causes vasodilation.

  • Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator used to treat angina.

• Vasodilatory (adjective): Having the property of causing vasodilation.

  • The drug has a strong vasodilatory effect.

• Vasoconstriction (noun): The opposite process; the narrowing of blood vessels.

Synonyms

• Blood vessel dilation
• Vascular dilation

Antonyms

• Vasoconstriction
• Blood vessel constriction

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Peripheral vasodilation": Vasodilation occurring in the blood vessels of the limbs and skin.

  • Peripheral vasodilation helps dissipate body heat.

• "Coronary vasodilation": The widening of the arteries supplying the heart muscle.

  • The treatment aims to improve coronary vasodilation and blood flow to the heart.

Noun

1. dilation of blood vessels (especially the arteries)