Symmetry recovery of cell-free layer after bifurcations of small arterioles in reduced flow conditions: effect of RBC aggregation.

This study demonstrates that the asymmetry of cell-free layer widths in small arterioles persists up to six vessel-diameter downstream of a bifurcation under reduced flow conditions. The symmetry recovery is further retarded by red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and seems to be unapparent within the limited interbifurcation distances in arteriolar networks.