Angle that is smaller than a right angle (less than 90Â°). Angle formed by two lines or two perpendicular planes that measures 90Â°. Symbol denoting that a straight line meets another at a right angle. Symbol denoting that two straight lines do not remain at a constant distance from one other. Symbol denoting that two straight lines remain at a constant distance from one another.
Constriction vs. Dilation. Constriction and dilation are opposite, but related, processes in the body. Whereas dilation is an opening or widening of a structure or passageway to increase material flow, constriction leads to a decrease in material flow by closing the passage.
Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels. It results from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, in particular in the large veins (called venodilators), large arteries, and smaller arterioles. The process is the opposite of vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels. When blood vessels dilate, the flow of blood is increased due to a decrease in vascular resistance. Therefore, dilation of arterial blood vessels (mainly the arterioles) decreases blood pressure.