Final answer:
Substances like acetylcholine are utilized to cause vasodilation in blood vessels, promoting increased blood flow, especially during the fight-or-flight response or temperature regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To cause blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation, the body utilizes various mechanisms, one of which includes the release of certain substances like acetylcholine by parasympathetic postganglionic fibers. This substance induces vasodilation in specific areas like the erectile tissue of the reproductive organs. Additionally, during the fight-or-flight response, blood vessels in skeletal muscles, especially those in the lower limbs, tend to dilate to accommodate increased blood flow to those active muscles. Furthermore, the body can regulate temperature by inducing vasodilation in the skin, allowing more blood from the warm core to flow to the surface to cool the body down. Inflammatory mediators like histamine can also promote vasodilation, increasing blood flow to affected tissues.