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Abstract
The morphological reconstruction undergone by collateral arteries during their development was studied by histological techniques. The changes were mainly localized to the narrowest part of the collateral pathway and consisted of hypertrophy of the media, fragmentation of the internal elastic membrane and the appearance of longitudinally arranged smooth muscle cells in the intima. In the adventitia the elastic and collagenous fibres increased in number. During the development of the collateral vessels there was progressively increased positive staining of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides in the collagen-rich ground substance in the intima. Vacuole formations appeared at an early stage in the intima and media, and the importance of these is discussed. The sequence of changes observed in the collateral arteries during their development probably reflects the reaction of the arteries to increased pressure and/or flow.