Vasodilation

Definition

Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, resulting from relaxation of the smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls. This process increases blood flow and decreases blood pressure in the dilated arteries, veins, or capillaries.

Related terms

Vasoconstriction:

The narrowing of blood vessels due to contraction of muscular wall of the vessels, which increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow.

Endothelium:

The thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, playing a key role in controlling vasodilation and vasoconstriction.

Nitric Oxide:

A molecule produced by the body that plays an important role in vasodilation by signaling smooth muscle cells to relax and expand the size of the blood vessel