vasoconstriction
Arteries squeezing shut
Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, caused by the contraction of muscular walls in arteries and smaller vessels.
The body uses vasoconstriction to regulate blood pressure, conserve heat, or redirect blood flow to vital organs.
Cold temperatures, stress, and certain drugs trigger vasoconstriction: The vasoconstriction from his medication caused numbness in his fingers.
Chronic elevated arterial pressure
- frostbiteFreezing of body tissue
- migraineSevere neurological head pain
- preeclampsiaPregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
hypothermia · stroke · angina · ischemia · numbness · pallor · cyanosis · claudication
Alertness and stress hormone
- sympatheticFeeling others' emotions
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
- epinephrineAdrenal stress hormone
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
vasopressin · caffeine · nicotine · cocaine · decongestants · cold exposure · stress hormones · hypoxia
Smallest arterial vessels
- narrowingReduction in width
- tighteningMaking less loose
- lumenLight output measure
- capillariesTiniest blood vessels
venules · smooth muscle · contraction · resistance · bloodflow · reduction · diameter · vessels
Circulatory force measurement
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- hemostasisProcess that stops bleeding
- perfusionFluid delivery to tissue
- shiveringInvoluntary bodily trembling
fight-or-flight · adrenaline · cortisol · circulation · homeostasis · reflex · autonomic · cardiovascular
hypertension
Chronic elevated arterial pressure
- frostbiteFreezing of body tissue
- migraineSevere neurological head pain
- preeclampsiaPregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder
shock · hypothermia · stroke · angina · ischemia · numbness · pallor · cyanosis · claudication
norepinephrine
Alertness and stress hormone
- sympatheticFeeling others' emotions
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
- epinephrineAdrenal stress hormone
serotonin · vasopressin · caffeine · nicotine · cocaine · decongestants · cold exposure · stress hormones · hypoxia
arterioles
Smallest arterial vessels
- narrowingReduction in width
- tighteningMaking less loose
- lumenLight output measure
capillaries · venules · smooth muscle · contraction · resistance · bloodflow · reduction · diameter · vessels · arterial
blood pressure
Circulatory force measurement
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- hemostasisProcess that stops bleeding
- perfusionFluid delivery to tissue
shivering · fight-or-flight · adrenaline · cortisol · circulation · homeostasis · reflex · autonomic · cardiovascular · regulation
vasoconstrictionvasodilation
Relaxation of vessel walls
vasodilatation · dilation · relaxation · hypotension · hyperemia
constrict, constriction, vascular, vasodilator, vasodilation, vasoconstrictor, vascularity, vasoconstrictors