What term describes widening of venous blood vessels?

• A. Venoconstrict
• B. Venodilate
• C. Vasodilate
• D. Vasoconstrict

Answer: (B)

Widening of venous blood vessels is venodilation. The prefix ven- refers to veins, and -dilate means to widen, so venodilation is the specific widening of veins. This is distinct from vasodilation, which is the general widening of blood vessels (often including arteries). Venoconstriction would narrow veins, and vasoconstriction would narrow vessels overall. When veins dilate, their capacity increases, allowing more blood to be stored in the venous system and reducing the amount returning to the heart (preload).