Vasodilation
Vasodilation occurs when the smooth muscles in our blood vessels relax and thus the interior of the blood vessels, called the lumen[1], becomes wider in diameter. And now with the increase in space within each vessel, there is less vascular resistance so there is much greater rate of blood flow[2].
Also with the cardiac output remaining constant but a greater volume of space available, your blood pressure decreases.
References
- ↑ https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5965
- ↑ Rakhimov, D. A. (2004-2013). NormalBreathing.com. Retrieved from http://www.normalbreathing.com/