Oxygen starved tissues can release chemical signals into the blood that can change thediameter of nearby blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. In doing so the blood vessels will respond through vasodilation (widening of the vessel). Which muscle type is responsible for this vasodilation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle is responsible for vasodilation, as it is found in the walls of blood vessels and can contract or relax to adjust the diameter of the vessel. Striated muscle, cardiac muscle, and skeletal muscle do not have the same ability to regulate blood vessel diameter.

Oxygen Starved Tissues Can Release Chemical Signals into the Blood