collateral circulation meaning: definition

collateral circulation

noun

/kəˈlætəɹəl ˈsɝkjʊˌleɪʃən/

Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences The circulation of blood through a network of vessels that is developed through enlargement of secondary vessels and use of existing anastomoses between adjacent vessels when a major vein or artery is functionally impaired, as by obstruction.

Related terms: arterial circulation, collateral artery, collateral damage, collateral ligament, collateral vein, collateral vessel, coronary circulation, pulmonary circulation, systemic circulation, venous circulation, circulatory system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, nervous system
Hyponyms: caput medusae