What does vasodilatation mean?
Vasodilatation is the widening of blood vessels that occurs when the smooth muscle in their walls relaxes. This process reduces resistance within the vascular system and usually allows more blood to flow through the affected vessels. It can occur naturally, as in the dilation of skin blood vessels in response to heat, or be induced by substances such as nitroglycerin and other vasodilator drugs. In medical research, vasodilatation is studied because it affects blood pressure, tissue perfusion, cardiovascular function, and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. The opposite process is vasoconstriction, in which vessels narrow. Although “vasodilation” is also widely used and has exactly the same meaning, “vasodilatation” is especially common in British medical usage. The word is useful because it names a fundamental mechanism through which the body and numerous medicines regulate circulation.
nounVasodilatation is the widening of blood vessels caused by relaxation of the smooth muscle in their walls. It generally increases blood flow and reduces resistance to blood flow through the vessels.
- The physiological widening of blood vessels through relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, usually resulting in increased blood flow and reduced vascular resistance.
"The drug promoted vasodilatation and improved blood flow to the affected muscles."
"Cold exposure can trigger vasodilatation in the skin, helping the body conserve heat."
"The trial reported a measurable increase in coronary vasodilatation after treatment."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; the singular form is normally used without a plural marker.
"The recordings showed distinct vasodilatations in the two vascular beds."
A slight widening of blood vessels can increase blood flow dramatically, making vasodilatation central to the body's circulation and to many cardiovascular drugs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vasodilatation
Vasodilatation is an English medical compound formed from “vaso-,” relating to blood vessels, and “dilatation,” the act of widening. “Vaso-” comes from Latin “vas,” meaning vessel, while “dilatation” ultimately derives from Latin “dilatare,” meaning to widen or expand. The medical term became established alongside the related forms “vasodilator” and “vasodilatory,” which refer respectively to an agent or process that produces vessel widening.
How vasodilatation is actually used
This is a specialist medical term used particularly in physiology, pharmacology, and cardiovascular research. It is commonly encountered in technical and academic writing rather than everyday speech.
Easily confused with vasodilatation
Vasodilatation and vasodilation have the same medical meaning and differ only in spelling, with both forms in regular use.