What does it mean to dilate?

To dilate means to get larger or to widen. This term is often used in various medical contexts, such as referring to blood vessels or pupils of the eyes. For example, when blood vessels dilate, they increase in diameter, allowing more blood to flow through. Similarly, when the pupils dilate in response to low light conditions, they become larger to allow more light into the eye, thus enhancing vision. Understanding the concept of dilation is important for combat medics as it relates to physiological responses in trauma and shock, where blood flow and oxygenation can be critical.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of dilation. Getting smaller would be the opposite effect. Changing color and becoming irregular do not pertain to the physical change described by dilation.