What is the term used to describe veins that display a twisted or convoluted appearance?

The term used to describe veins that exhibit a twisted or convoluted appearance is "tortuous veins." This expression comes from the word "tortuous," which means full of twists and turns. When veins become tortuous, they can appear coiled or curved, often as a result of increased pressure or other underlying conditions.

In contrast, varicose veins, while they can also appear twisted and enlarged, specifically refer to veins that have become dilated and are often associated with pain or swelling due to impaired blood flow. Normal veins do not display any abnormal twisting or enlargement and maintain a standard appearance. Collateral veins are additional pathways that form when a primary vein is obstructed, and they do not inherently possess the characteristic twisting that defines tortuous veins. Overall, the defining feature of tortuous veins is their irregular, convoluted structure, making this terminology the most accurate for the described condition.