Vascular tone

Definition

Vascular tone is the degree of constriction experienced by a blood vessel relative to its maximally dilated state (baseline). It plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and flow through the circulatory system.

Related terms

Blood Pressure:

The force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, primarily dependent on the cardiac output and resistance of the vascular system.

Vasodilation:

The widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, leading to an increase in blood flow.

Vasoconstriction:

The narrowing of blood vessels caused by contraction of muscular walls of the vessels, which decreases blood flow and increases blood pressure