colaterales

Colaterales is the plural form of colateral in Spanish and is used in several fields to denote different concepts depending on the context. In general, the term encompasses either collateral assets pledged as security or collateral blood vessels that provide alternative pathways for flow.

In finance, colaterales refer to assets pledged to guarantee the repayment of a loan or the performance of an obligation. If the borrower defaults, the lender may seize and liquidate the collateral to recover losses. Common forms include real estate, stocks, bonds, cash, or inventory. Collateralization lowers credit risk for lenders and can influence loan terms such as interest rates and loan-to-value ratios. The concept is central to secured lending, mortgages, and repurchase agreements.

In medicine, colaterales describe collateral vessels that form alternative routes for blood flow around an obstructed artery. These vessels, generated through arteriogenesis, can preserve tissue perfusion in the heart, brain, or limbs when primary vessels are narrowed or blocked. The extent and effectiveness of collateral circulation vary among individuals and can affect prognosis after ischemic events. Clinically, collateral status may influence treatment decisions and imaging interpretations.

The term derives from Latin colateralis, via Spanish, and is related to the English word collateral. Distinctions exist between its use as a descriptor of security in finance and as a description of vascular pathways in anatomy, though both share the core idea of an alternative or additional form of support.