arterial pressure, the stress exerted by circulating blood on the artery walls. It is the product of the cardiac output and the systemic vascular resistance. A number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors regulate and maintain a reasonably constant arterial pressure. Extrinsic factors include neurological stimulation and hormones such as catecholamines and prostaglandins. Intrinsic factors include chemoreceptors and baroreceptors in the arterial walls that cause vasoconstriction or vasodilation. Arterial pressure is commonly measured with a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. Stress, hypervolemia, hypovolemia, and various drugs may alter the arterial pressure. Also called arterial tension. See also blood pressure.
