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Peripheral Vasodilation

Meaning

Peripheral vasodilation is the physiological process involving the widening of blood vessels, specifically the arterioles and capillaries, in the extremities and superficial tissues, resulting in increased blood flow to the skin surface. This mechanism is primarily a core component of thermoregulation, facilitating the dissipation of core body heat into the environment. Hormonally, it is also influenced by various vasoactive substances and is a crucial preparatory step for initiating sleep, as the reduction in core body temperature is a prerequisite for sleep onset. Clinical strategies often leverage this mechanism to improve sleep quality and cardiovascular health.