Final answer:
Vasodilation is the dilation of blood vessels that increases blood flow to the extremities and skin for heat loss, a part of the body's thermoregulation to manage body temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process described is vasodilation, which occurs when blood vessels in the skin dilate to increase blood flow to the extremities and skin, facilitating heat loss from the body core to the environment. This physiological mechanism is part of the body's thermoregulation strategy to prevent overheating. In contrast, when the body needs to conserve heat, vasoconstriction occurs, narrowing the blood vessels and keeping blood away from the skin surface.
During physical activities or when the ambient temperature is high, sweat glands also secrete fluid onto the skin, which evaporates and assists with cooling the body further - a process complementing the dilated blood vessels leading to heat loss.