collateral circulation

Collateral circulation refers to the alternate routes that blood can take through smaller vessels when the main pathways are blocked or narrowed, typically due to conditions like atherosclerosis or blood clots. These smaller blood vessels, which normally carry less blood, can enlarge and become more important in delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues. This biological adaptability helps maintain adequate blood flow to organs, reducing the risk of damage even when major arteries are compromised. Essentially, it's the body's way of finding new paths for blood to ensure crucial areas remain nourished.