The aim of this project is to determine the conditions under which branching systems are a viable alternative. There are abundant examples of branching patterns in the nature prompting a large number of studies trying to explain this naturally occurring phenomenon. A general analytical model for predicting the total pressure drop in a branching system is presented. The predictions of the model are compared with the available results, including the numerical predictions of three dimensional flows, showing the model is reasonably accurate, and can be used to predict the impact of different parameters. The model is then used to develop criteria under which branching systems are advantageous. It is shown that some of the generally believed assumptions about the branched systems may not be valid, including one of the predictions of the Constructal theory.