What is collateral in medical terms?

Collateral: In anatomy, a collateral is a subordinate or accessory part. A collateral is also a side branch, as of a blood vessel or nerve. After a coronary artery occlusion, collaterals (that is, collateral vessels) often develop to shunt blood around the blockage. read more

collateral adjective Referring to that which occurs in addition to a desired effect, is located adjacent to, or on the radius of a circle, secondary, or accessory. See Collateral damage. read more

Medical Definition of Collateral Collateral: In anatomy, a collateral is a subordinate or accessory part. A collateral is also a side branch, as of a blood vessel or nerve. read more