What term describes a temporary or sustained decrease in blood flow to a tissue due to vessel constriction?

What term describes a temporary or sustained decrease in blood flow to a tissue due to vessel constriction?

• A. Vasoconstriction
• B. Vasodilation
• C. Hypotension
• D. Plasma

Answer: (A)

Vasoconstriction describes the narrowing of blood vessels because the smooth muscle in the vessel walls contracts, especially in arterioles. This raises vascular resistance, so less blood can reach a given tissue, producing a decrease in local blood flow. The effect can be short-lived or longer-lasting depending on the stimulus, allowing the body to redirect blood, conserve heat, or help maintain overall blood pressure during stress. Vasodilation is the opposite process, widening vessels to increase flow. Hypotension refers to low systemic blood pressure, not specifically the tissue-level reduction caused by vessel constriction. Plasma is the fluid portion of blood, not related to changes in flow due to vessel tone.

Vasoconstriction describes the narrowing of blood vessels because the smooth muscle in the vessel walls contracts, especially in arterioles. This raises vascular resistance, so less blood can reach a given tissue, producing a decrease in local blood flow. The effect can be short-lived or longer-lasting depending on the stimulus, allowing the body to redirect blood, conserve heat, or help maintain overall blood pressure during stress. Vasodilation is the opposite process, widening vessels to increase flow. Hypotension refers to low systemic blood pressure, not specifically the tissue-level reduction caused by vessel constriction. Plasma is the fluid portion of blood, not related to changes in flow due to vessel tone.