Vasodilator

Definition

A vasodilator is a substance that causes blood vessels to widen by relaxing the smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls. This process increases blood flow and decreases blood pressure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vasodilators play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and ensuring adequate blood flow to various organs.
2. They are often involved in the body's response to changes in osmotic pressure and fluid balance.
3. Common vasodilators include nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and certain hormones like atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).
4. Vasodilation can help remove waste products from tissues more efficiently by increasing blood flow.
5. In osmoregulation, vasodilators can influence kidney function by altering glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Review Questions

Related terms

Osmoregulation:

The process by which an organism regulates the water and electrolyte balance within its body to maintain homeostasis

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A measure of how much blood is filtered by the glomeruli in the kidneys per minute, indicating kidney function

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP): A hormone secreted by heart muscles that reduces blood volume and pressure by promoting sodium excretion