collateral circulation (C1)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /kəˈlætərəl ˌsɜːrkyəˈleɪʃən/
Definition
A network of blood vessels that can provide an alternative route for blood flow when a main vessel is blocked or damaged, helping to maintain tissue perfusion and prevent ischemia.
Examples
The development of collateral circulation helped reduce the damage to the heart tissue after the coronary artery blockage.
Collateral circulation played a crucial role in the patient's recovery from the stroke, as it allowed blood to reach the affected area through smaller vessels.
The formation of collateral circulation is an adaptive response to chronic ischemia, and it can be enhanced through exercise and other lifestyle modifications.
How to Use collateral circulation
- develop collateral circulation (verb phrase)
- to form new blood vessels that can provide an alternative route for blood flow — "The body can develop collateral circulation in response to chronic ischemia."
- have collateral circulation (verb phrase)
- to have a network of blood vessels that can provide an alternative route for blood flow — "Some people have collateral circulation that helps reduce the risk of heart disease."
Browse the full Anaversity dictionary