vasomotor
|va-so-mo-tor|
🇺🇸
/ˌveɪzəˈmoʊtɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˌveɪzəˈməʊtə/
controls/moves blood vessels
Etymology
'vasomotor' originates from a Modern/New Latin medical formation combining the combining form 'vaso-' (from Latin 'vās' meaning 'vessel') and 'motor' from Latin 'motor' meaning 'mover'.
'vasomotor' was coined in the late 19th century in medical English (via New Latin formations such as 'vasomotorius'), formed from Latin 'vas' + Latin 'motor', and entered modern usage in physiology and medicine.
Initially coined to denote an agent or mechanism that moves or acts on blood vessels, its meaning has remained focused on the control of blood-vessel tone (constriction/dilation) in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a nerve, nerve center, or mechanism that controls or influences the tone (constriction or dilation) of blood vessels.
The vasomotor center in the brainstem plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the regulation of the diameter or tone of blood vessels (usually by nerves or reflexes); causing or affecting the constriction or dilation of blood vessels.
Vasomotor reflexes help maintain stable blood pressure during changes in posture.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/30 20:45