An Increased Concentration of Nitric Oxide Within a Vascular Bed

Question

An increased concentration of nitric oxide within a vascular bed is associated with
A)vasoconstriction.
B)vasodilation.
C)narrowing of the arteries.
D)a reduction in blood flow in that region.
E)a decreased amount of blood in the capillaries of that vascular bed.

Accepted Answer

Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels, leading to an increase in vessel diameter and blood flow. Therefore, an increased concentration of nitric oxide within a vascular bed is associated with vasodilation, not vasoconstriction or narrowing of the arteries. It also does not cause a reduction in blood flow or a decreased amount of blood in the capillaries of that vascular bed.