What is the term for the process of expanding blood vessels?

The process of expanding blood vessels is known as vasodilation. This term specifically refers to the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, which leads to an increase in their diameter. When the blood vessels dilate, it allows for a greater volume of blood to flow through them and can lead to a drop in blood pressure. Vasodilation plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow and body temperature, and it can occur in response to various physiological signals or external factors, such as heat or certain medications.

Vasoconstriction, on the other hand, is the opposite process, where blood vessels constrict or narrow, reducing blood flow. Circulation refers to the overall movement of blood through the body's vascular system, and capillarization describes the development of capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels. Understanding the distinction between these processes is essential for grasping how the cardiovascular system functions effectively.