Vascular smooth muscle
Vascular Smooth Muscle
Vascular smooth muscle refers to the type of smooth muscle found within, and composing the majority of the wall of blood vessels. The primary function of vascular smooth muscle is contraction and relaxation, which regulates blood vessel diameter and controls blood flow and blood pressure.
Pronunciation
Vascular: /ˈvaskjʊlər/ Smooth Muscle: /smuːð ˈmʌsəl/
Etymology
The term "vascular" originates from the Latin word "vasculum" meaning "small vessel". "Smooth muscle" is named for its lack of the striations seen in cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle.
Function
Vascular smooth muscle contracts or relaxes to change both the volume of blood vessels and the volume of blood that passes through them. This process is critical for the regulation of blood pressure and distribution of blood to different parts of the body.
Related Terms
- Myocyte: A type of cell found in muscle tissue, including vascular smooth muscle.
- Vasoconstriction: The constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. It is caused by contraction of the vascular smooth muscle.
- Vasodilation: The dilation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure. It is caused by relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle.
- Endothelium: The thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, adjacent to the vascular smooth muscle.
See Also
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