Vasoconstriction
Narrowing of the blood vessels that results from contraction of the muscular walls of the vessels. The opposite of vasoconstriction is vasodilation.
Read Also:
- Vasodepressor syncope
The temporary loss of consciousness in a particular kind of situation. (Syncope is temporary loss of consciousness or, in plain English, fainting). The situations that trigger this reaction are diverse and include having blood drawn, straining while urinating or defecating or coughing. The reaction also can be due to the emotional stress of fear or […]
- Vasodilation
Widening of blood vessels that results from relaxation of the muscular walls of the vessels. What widens in vasodilation is actually the diameter of the interior (lumen) of the vessel. The opposite of vasodilation is vasoconstriction.
- Vasodilators
Agents that act as blood vessel dilators (vasodilators) and open vessels by relaxing their muscular walls. For example, nitroglycerin is a vasodilator. So are the ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors.
- Vasomotor
Relating to the nerves and muscles that cause blood vessels to constrict or dilate.
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Inflammation of the nose (rhinitis) due to abnormal nerve control of the blood vessels in the nose. Vasomotor rhinitis is not allergic rhinitis. Decongestant medications are used to temporarily reduce swelling of sinus and nasal tissues leading to an improvement of breathing and a decrease in obstruction.