Vasoconstriction is the fundamental physiological process defined as the narrowing of the internal lumen of blood vessels, specifically the arterioles and venules, which results from the contraction of the muscular walls of those vessels. This process is a critical, precise mechanism for regulating systemic blood pressure and strategically redistributing blood flow throughout the body. It is a fundamental and non-negotiable component of the autonomic nervous system’s control over circulation.
Origin
The term is a compound of the Latin prefix vaso- meaning ‘vessel’ and constrictio meaning ‘a drawing together’ or ‘tightening.’ It is a core term in cardiovascular physiology, describing one half of the essential circulatory control mechanism, the other being vasodilation.
Mechanism
Vasoconstriction is primarily mediated by the sympathetic nervous system through the localized release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on alpha-adrenergic receptors situated on the vascular smooth muscle cells. The binding of these catecholamines triggers an intracellular cascade, ultimately leading to increased calcium influx and subsequent muscle contraction. Hormones like angiotensin II and vasopressin also play significant roles in this precise process, helping to rapidly increase systemic vascular resistance and maintain adequate blood pressure in response to various physiological needs.
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