Dilation is a medical term that refers to the widening of a body passage or opening. It can occur in various parts of the body, including the cervix, pupils, and blood vessels.
Checking for dilation is an essential part of many medical examinations and procedures. For example, checking the dilation of the cervix is a common part of a prenatal exam to assess the progress of labor. Checking the dilation of the pupils is a common part of an eye exam to assess the health of the eyes. Checking the dilation of blood vessels is a common part of a cardiovascular exam to assess the health of the heart and blood vessels.