Vasoconstrictive
Vasoconstrictive
Vasoconstrictive (pronunciation: vay-so-kon-strik-tiv) is a term used in medicine to describe substances or actions that result in the narrowing or constriction of blood vessels.
Etymology
The term "vasoconstrictive" is derived from the Latin words 'vas' meaning 'vessel' and 'constringere' meaning 'to draw together'.
Definition
Vasoconstrictive substances or actions cause the muscle cells within the walls of blood vessels, particularly the arteries and veins, to contract. This contraction reduces the diameter of the blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood flow and increasing blood pressure.
Related Terms
- Vasodilation: The opposite of vasoconstriction, vasodilation refers to the widening or dilation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
- Vasoconstrictor: A substance that causes vasoconstriction.
- Hypertension: A medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure, often caused by vasoconstriction.
- Nitric Oxide: A molecule that promotes vasodilation and thus counteracts vasoconstriction.
Vasoconstrictive Substances
Several substances have vasoconstrictive properties, including:
- Epinephrine: A hormone and neurotransmitter that is a powerful vasoconstrictor.
- Norepinephrine: A hormone and neurotransmitter that also has vasoconstrictive effects.
- Angiotensin II: A peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction and a subsequent increase in blood pressure.
- Vasopressin: A hormone from the posterior pituitary that promotes water retention and vasoconstriction.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vasoconstrictive
- Wikipedia's article - Vasoconstrictive
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