vasoconstriction
What vasoconstriction means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of vasoconstriction
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Reference: OCR
Arterioles constrict, reducing superficial blood flow to minimise radiative heat loss and redirecting blood to deep tissues to conserve heat.
Smooth muscle in the walls of skin arterioles contracts, narrowing the vessels and reducing blood flow through skin capillaries.
Topics that use vasoconstriction
- Control of body temperature (biology only) (AQA GCSE)
- Maintaining internal environments (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Vasodilation
- antagonistic hormones
- antidiuretic hormone
- blood glucose regulation
- Bowman's capsule and ultrafiltration
- collecting duct permeability
- Coordination between detection and response
- dehydration
Using vasoconstriction in the exam
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