Blushing

[1][2][3] It is normally involuntary and triggered by emotional stress associated with passion, embarrassment, shyness, fear, anger, or romantic stimulation.

[citation needed] Blushing is generally distinguished, despite a close physiological relation, from flushing, which is more intensive and extends over more of the body, and seldom has a mental source.

[citation needed] A blush is a reddening of the cheeks and forehead brought about by increased capillary blood flow in the skin.

In addition, blood vessels of the cheek are wider in diameter, are nearer the surface, and visibility is less diminished by tissue fluid.

These beta-adrenoceptors could exert a dilator mechanism on the above-described basal tone of the facial cutaneous venous plexus.

This result was expected since vasoconstrictor tone in the facial area is known to be generally low (van der Meer.

However, despite complete blockade, blood flow still increased substantially during the embarrassment and blushing inducing procedure.

To blush at innuendo is to show awareness of its implications and to display modesty that conveys that you are not brazen or shameless.

[8] Salzen (2010) suggested that blushing and flushing were manifestations of the physiological impact of the instinctual fight/flight mechanism, when neither confrontation nor retreat is possible.