A person warming up after being cold feels a warm rush as blood flows quickly to the peripheral appendages. Nitric oxide is important in this situation because it
A)raises blood pressure.
B)raises blood temperature.
C)relaxes the smooth muscle in the blood vessel wall.
D)enhances gas exchange.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels, causing them to widen and allow increased blood flow. This leads to improved circulation and increased warmth in peripheral appendages. It does not raise blood pressure or blood temperature directly, nor does it enhance gas exchange.

A Person Warming Up After Being Cold Feels a Warm