Vascular nerves

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Vascular nerve)

Vascular nerves are nerves that innervate the blood vessels. They play a crucial role in the regulation of vascular tone and, consequently, blood flow. The vascular nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the involuntary control of the body's organs and systems.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "vascular" comes from the Latin vasculum, meaning "small vessel", and "nerves" from the Greek νεῦρον (neûron), meaning "string, sinew".

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Vascular nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system primarily innervates the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction, while the parasympathetic nervous system has a lesser role, causing vasodilation.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the vascular nerves is to regulate the tone of the blood vessels. This is achieved through the release of neurotransmitters from the nerve endings, which act on the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel walls. The neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system cause vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow. Conversely, the neurotransmitters released by the parasympathetic nervous system cause vasodilation, which decreases blood pressure and increases blood flow.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities in the function of the vascular nerves can lead to various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Therefore, understanding the function of the vascular nerves is crucial for the development of treatments for these diseases.

Related terms[edit | edit source]

  • Vasoconstriction: The constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.
  • Vasodilation: The dilation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
  • Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
  • Autonomic nervous system: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
Vascular nerves Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD