Blood Vessels

Description

The Blood Vessels are tubes that carry Blood either away from or towards the Heart - Blood Vessels are the means by which Blood circulates through the body.

Substances that dilate (expand) Blood Vessels are known as Vasodilators and vasodilation is governed by the Parasympathetic Nervous System component of the Autonomic Nervous System.

Substances that constrict (contract) Blood Vessels are known as Vasoconstrictors and vasoconstriction is governed by the Adrenergic Nervous System component of the Adrenergic Nervous System.

Substances that serve to enhance the strength/health of the Blood Vessels are known as Vasoprotectors.

The growth of new Blood Vessels is known as .

Alcohols

 Alcohol (ethanol) may temporarily dilates the Blood Vessels (when consumed in small quantities).

Amino Acids

 Arginine may help to prevent Free Radicals-induced damage to the lining of Blood Vessels (by enhancing the production of Nitric Oxide in Blood Vessels).  ^[1]

 Aspartic Acid (in non-excessive quantities) may facilitate the growth of Blood Vessels. 

Carbohydrates

 Glycosaminoglycans may help to maintain the elasticity of Blood Vessels. 

Growth Factors

 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor stimulates (signals) the growth of new Blood Vessels.

Hormones

 Adrenaline dilates the Blood Vessels that supply the Brain, Heart and Muscles.

Lipids

 Phosphatidylcholinemay help to maintain the elasticity of Blood Vessels. 

 Prostaglandin E1 dilates (expands) the Blood Vessels (i.e. it causes ).  ^[2]

Minerals

 Magnesium may exert antispasmodic effects on Blood Vessels.  ^[3]

 Silicon may be essential for the structural integrity, elasticity and permeability of Blood Vessels (it may contribute to the essential and desirable Cross-Linking of the Endothelium of Blood Vessels)  ^[4]