Definition
A rete is a network or mesh-like structure, typically of blood vessels or nerves. It's similar to a plexus but often more localized and with finer connections. Imagine it as a 'fishnet' of tiny vessels. A rete mirabile ('wonderful net') is a specialized network where an artery breaks up into a mesh of smaller vessels before rejoining to form another artery. This arrangement is used in specific physiological functions.