What does the term angiectasis indicate?

The term angiectasis refers to the dilation of a blood vessel. This condition can occur in various types of blood vessels, such as arteries, veins, or capillaries, and is often related to various physiological or pathological conditions. When a blood vessel dilates, it can lead to an increase in the volume of blood flowing through that vessel, which may impact overall cardiovascular health.

Understanding angiectasis is important as it relates to different medical conditions, such as aneurysms, where the blood vessel swells abnormally due to weakened walls. This dilation can lead to complications if it occurs excessively or inappropriately.

The other choices relate to various conditions of blood vessels but do not accurately define angiectasis. Constriction of blood flow implies a narrowing of the vessels, which is opposite to dilation. Weakening of blood vessel walls could lead to consequences such as aneurysms but does not denote dilation. Swelling in lymph nodes pertains to the lymphatic system and is not relevant to blood vessel dilation.