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The branching geometry of the vascular

network has intrigued

investigators for centuries. Its complexity and precise arrangement of the

large vessels and their connectivity to the vast number of small

microcirculatory vessels have amazed scientists and clinicians alike the.

The intermingling

of

geometric

architecture

and the mechanical

properties of the vascular structure at branching points is

particular

interest here.

To perfuse organ vascular beds and meet specific tissue metabolic

demands, the vascular system displays its utmost efficient network

structure through branching of blood vessels. This allows prompt spatial

and temporal distribution of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste

products. One would marvel the vascular system of the human heart, for

instance, with its own well-meshed branching circulation, the coronary

circulation, to supply its own blood according to its own energetics and

mechanical performance.

The lungs, with its branching pulmonary

vascular

system give another example of achieving the functional

performance of ventilation-perfusion and on demand. The complex

branching topology of the cerebral circulation to supply oxygen and

blood flow to neuronal networks and the extensive network

vessels in

the renal circulation, are just some of the examples one can marvel the

branching structure of the vascular system.

The branching structure of blood vessels can be viewed as a simple

consequence of the necessity in providing an efficient vascular network