Rete Mirabile
The 'wonderful net'—blood vessels that recapture heat through countercurrent exchange. Tuna maintain 86°F muscles in 50°F water. Organizations need equivalent structures to recapture knowledge before it escapes.
The rete mirabile (Latin: 'wonderful net') is a specialized blood vessel network that recaptures heat before it's lost. In bluefin tuna, arterial and venous blood flow in opposite directions through intertwined vessels, transferring heat from outgoing warm blood to incoming cold blood—keeping muscles at 86°F in 50°F water.
Business Application of Rete Mirabile
Specialized organizational structures that retain value/capability in specific divisions without losing it to the broader organization - similar to how tuna retain heat in muscles without losing it to surrounding cold water.