ScienceAugust 16, 2026

vasodilator

VAY-zo-dy-lay-ter

Definition

A substance or agent that causes blood vessels to widen or relax, increasing blood flow.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'vas' (vessel) and the English 'dilator' (from Latin 'dilatare', meaning to expand or spread out).

In the news

Researchers used a vasodilator in their study to artificially increase blood volume in mice, helping them prove that the drop in ATP during REM sleep was a unique physiological phenomenon rather than a simple lack of blood supply.

Scientists uncover an energy paradox in the brain during REM sleep

Read the full article ↗

PsyPost

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