Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The myogenic response is an intrinsic reaction of vascular smooth muscle to changes in blood pressure that adjusts vessel diameter and thus regulates blood flow. It ensures stable perfusion to organs despite fluctuations in blood pressure.
Related terms
Vascular smooth muscle: The specialized muscle cells located within the walls of blood vessels, which contract or relax to change vessel diameter and regulate blood flow.
Blood pressure: The force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, often measured as an indicator of cardiovascular health.