collateral circulation

noun

circulation of blood through a network of minor vessels that become enlarged and joined with adjacent vessels when a major vein or artery is impaired, as by obstruction.

Nearby words

collarette, collat., collate, collateral, collateral artery, collateral circulation, collateral damage, collateral fissure, collateral hyperemia, collateral inheritance, collateral ligament

Origin of collateral circulation

First recorded in 1875–80

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for collateral circulation

collateral circulation

n.

Circulation maintained in small anastomosing vessels when the main artery is obstructed.