Do all areas of the body have collateral circulation?

Almost all vascular territories have some degree of collateral circulation, however certain vascular beds are more dependent on collaterals than others:

- Coronary arteries: The heart muscle is very sensitive to ischemia, and even a brief interruption of blood flow can cause damage. Collateral circulation is therefore very important in the heart, and it can help to prevent or limit the damage caused by a heart attack.

- Cerebral arteries: The brain is also very sensitive to ischemia, and a stroke can cause permanent damage. Collateral circulation is therefore very important in the brain, and it can help to prevent or limit the damage caused by a stroke.

- Mesenteric arteries: The intestines are also very sensitive to ischemia, and a mesenteric infarction can cause severe abdominal pain and even death. Collateral circulation is therefore very important in the intestines, and it can help to prevent or limit the damage caused by a mesenteric infarction.

Some vascular beds, such as the renal arteries and the pulmonary arteries, have relatively little collateral circulation. This means that these organs are more vulnerable to the effects of ischemia.