- #1
samy4408
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Hello, I have some trouble understanding the role of the sympathetic nervous system in vasoconstriction and vasodilatation of blood vessels, I searched and found contradicting resources, does anyone have the right answer?
"...can be..."? Could you please continue the quote or elaborate?samy4408 said:[...]
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Godot_ said:"...can be..."? Could you please continue the quote or elaborate?
Certain vessels can get dilated by catecholamines - e.g. coronaries, pulmonary vessels (IIRC). Which does make sense, physiologically. Also I seem to remember that, while on the one hand the vessels are constricted, they get sensitized to NO, so if need be, the vasodilation gets amplified a bit.
Also, sometimes the wording can be sloppy, using "sympathetic" when the author actually means both brances of the vegetative nerve system.
thanks, interesting information but do you have the final answer?Godot_ said:"...can be..."? Could you please continue the quote or elaborate?
Certain vessels can get dilated by catecholamines - e.g. coronaries, and pulmonary vessels (IIRC). Which does make sense, physiologically. Also I seem to remember that, while on the one hand the vessels are constricted, they get sensitized to NO, so if need be, the vasodilation gets amplified a bit.
Also, sometimes the wording can be sloppy, using "sympathetic" when the author actually means both brances of the vegetative nerve system.
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions in the body. It is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body for physical activity or stress.
The sympathetic nervous system causes the blood vessels to constrict, or become narrower, in response to stress or physical activity. This allows for more blood to be directed to vital organs and muscles, increasing their oxygen and nutrient supply.
Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to persistent vasoconstriction, which can increase blood pressure and strain the heart. It can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Yes, the sympathetic nervous system can also have a beneficial effect on blood vessels. It helps regulate blood flow and maintain blood pressure, which is important for overall cardiovascular health. It also plays a role in the body's response to injury or infection, promoting healing and tissue repair.
There are several ways to control the impact of the sympathetic nervous system on blood vessels. Regular exercise can help regulate sympathetic activity and improve overall cardiovascular health. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can also help reduce sympathetic activity and promote relaxation. Additionally, certain medications can be prescribed to regulate blood pressure and reduce the strain on blood vessels caused by chronic sympathetic activation.