Concept:
Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) is a hormone secreted by the atrial walls of the heart when blood pressure or blood volume increases.
It plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
ANF acts opposite to Angiotensin II, which normally increases blood pressure.
Step 1: Understand the function of Angiotensin II.
Angiotensin II causes:
• Vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels)
• Increase in blood pressure
Step 2: Identify the hormone with opposite action.
Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) causes:
• Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels)
• Increased sodium excretion (natriuresis)
• Reduction in blood pressure
Step 3: State the final answer.
Thus, the hormone that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure is
\[
\boxed{\text{Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF)}}
\]