MEDICAL DICTIONARY
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.
The word "collateral" comes from the Latin "col-", with + "latus", side = with the side, situated at the side. (The prefix "col-" is a variant form of "com-" meaning "with" that is used before an "l".) Hence, collateral means accessory, subordinate, secondary, serving to support or reinforce.
In the sense of being on the side and in the sense of serving to support or reinforce, there are collateral ligaments outside of the knee joint. The collateral ligaments help provide stability and strength to the knee joint: 
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
