vasodilation
Arteries opening wider
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, allowing increased blood flow.
It occurs naturally during exercise, in warm temperatures, or as part of the body's inflammatory response.
Medications called vasodilators induce this effect to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions: The doctor prescribed a vasodilator to improve circulation.
Tubes carrying oxygenated blood
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
- nitric oxideReactive nitrogen-oxygen compound
- smooth muscleInvoluntary contractile tissue
- hyperemiaLocalized blood excess
blood flow · capillaries · peripheral · vessels · lumen · relaxation · perfusion · angiogenesis
Protective tissue response
- edemaPathological tissue puffiness
- hypotensionAbnormally reduced arterial pressure
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- sepsisDangerous inflammatory infection response
anaphylaxis · migraine · rosacea · erythema · allergic response · swelling · redness · syncope
Transfer of warmth outward
- flushingWashing by water surge
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- feverElevated body temperature
- coolingLosing thermal energy
body temperature · cutaneous · blushing · hot flash · exercise-induced · thermal · radiant heat · hyperthermia
Medication lowering blood pressure
- nitroglycerinExplosive compound, cardiac drug
- hydralazineArterial relaxant for hypertension
- minoxidilVasodilator for follicles
- beta blockersHeart rate reducers
amlodipine · nitrates · drug-induced · therapeutic · medication · dosage · sublingual · pharmacokinetics
arteries
Tubes carrying oxygenated blood
- endotheliumCells lining blood vessels
- nitric oxideReactive nitrogen-oxygen compound
- smooth muscleInvoluntary contractile tissue
hyperemia · blood flow · capillaries · peripheral · vessels · lumen · relaxation · perfusion · angiogenesis · adenosine
inflammation
Protective tissue response
- edemaPathological tissue puffiness
- hypotensionAbnormally reduced arterial pressure
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
sepsis · anaphylaxis · migraine · rosacea · erythema · allergic response · swelling · redness · syncope
heat dissipation
Transfer of warmth outward
cooling · body temperature · cutaneous · blushing · hot flash · exercise-induced · thermal · radiant heat · hyperthermia
antihypertensive
Medication lowering blood pressure
- nitroglycerinExplosive compound, cardiac drug
- hydralazineArterial relaxant for hypertension
- minoxidilVasodilator for follicles
beta blockers · amlodipine · nitrates · drug-induced · therapeutic · medication · dosage · sublingual · pharmacokinetics