Final answer:
Distributive shock is caused by the general dilation of blood vessels within the cardiovascular system, leading to a drop in blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distributive shock is caused by the general dilation of blood vessels within the cardiovascular system. It occurs when arterioles lose their normal muscular tone and dilate dramatically. One example of distributive shock is anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic response that triggers vasodilation throughout the body, leading to a drop in blood pressure.