Understanding Vasomotion

“Regulation of Blood Vessel Diameter”

-Aqsa Waseem
September 4,2023.
“Vasomotion: What is it?”
• Vasomotion refers to the rhythmic, spontaneous oscillations in the
diameter of blood vessels which is aided by the action of precapillary
sphincters and metarterioles.

General concept:
• When the rate of oxygen usage by the tissue is great – so that tissue
oxygen concentration decreases below normal – the intermittent
periods of capillary blood flow occur more often, and the duration of
each period of flow lasts longer, thereby allowing the capillary blood
to carry increased quantities of oxygen to the tissues and vice versa.
When tissue oxygen
levels are low:

When tissue oxygen

levels are high:
“Significance of Vasomotion”:
• Vasomotion plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow within the
body.
• By regulating blood pressure and blood flow, vasomotion helps
maintain the body’s internal balance, known as homeostasis.
• Vasomotion helps adapt blood flow to varying oxygen demands in
tissues.
• Vasomotion is vital for delivering nutrients, such as glucose and amino
acids, to cells
• It also plays a role in thermoregulation.
Thank you!