<P> Vascularity, in bodybuilding, is the condition of having many highly - visible, prominent, and often extensively - ramified superficial veins . The skin appears "thin"--sometimes virtually diaphanous--due to an extreme reduction of subcutaneous fat, allowing for maximum muscle definition . </P> <P> Vascularity is enhanced by extremely low body fat (usually below 10%) and low retained water, as well as the muscle engorgement ("pump") and venous distension accentuated by the vigorous flexing and potentially hazardous Valsalva effect which characterize competitive posing . Genetics and androgenic hormones will affect vascularity, as will ambient temperature . (And although some bodybuilders develop arterial hypertension from performance - enhancing substances and practices, "high" venous pressure--being an order of magnitude lower than that of arteries--neither causes nor is caused by vascularity .) Some bodybuilders use topical vasodilators to increase blood flow to the skin as well . Although historically controversial, nowadays vascularity is a highly - sought - after aesthetic for many male bodybuilders, but less so for female bodybuilders where the target aesthetic is relatively more towards aesthetic symmetry than extreme development . </P>

What does it mean when someone is vascular