What occurs during Reactive Hyperemia?

Reactive hyperemia is a physiological response that occurs after a period of reduced blood flow, often due to temporary occlusion of blood vessels. In the context of this question, the inflation of thigh cuffs to suprasystolic pressure effectively occludes arterial flow for a specific duration. When the cuffs are released, there is a sudden influx of blood flow to the previously deprived area. This results in an increase in blood flow, or hyperemia, as the body's response to restore oxygen and nutrients to the tissues that were temporarily deprived.

Using thigh cuffs inflated to suprasystolic pressure is a common practice in vascular studies to induce this reaction. The increased blood flow that follows cuff deflation can be measured or observed, providing important information regarding the health of the vascular system and the ability of blood vessels to respond to changes in blood flow demand.

In contrast to the other options, which do not directly induce the reactive hyperemia response as described, the inflation of thigh cuffs to a suprasystolic level is integral for creating the conditions necessary for this physiological phenomenon to occur.