Massachusetts Funeral Director Practice Exam

Which of the following terms refers to the contraction of blood vessels?

1. Vasodilation

2. Vasoconstriction

3. Hemostasis

4. Capillary action

The correct answer is: Vasoconstriction

The term that refers to the contraction of blood vessels is vasoconstriction. This process involves the narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow and helps to increase blood pressure. Vasoconstriction is an important physiological response that occurs in various situations, such as during stress or changes in temperature, to maintain homeostasis in the body. In contrast, vasodilation, which is not the correct answer, refers to the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow and decreases blood pressure. Hemostasis, another term that is not applicable here, involves the process of blood clotting to stop bleeding. Finally, capillary action pertains to the ability of liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, which is not directly related to blood vessel contraction.