Definition
noun, plural: anastomoses
(1) Interconnection between parts of a branching system forming a network, as in leaf anastomosis.
(2) Cross-connection between blood vessels or between tubular structures.
(3) The surgical creation intubular structures to form a connecting passage between these structures.
Supplement
In circulatory anastomosis, there is a direct connection between arteries, veins, venules, and arterioles without any intervening capillaries.
In surgical anastomosis such as intestinal anastomosis, a segment of intestine is resected and the two remaining ends are sewn or stapled together (anastomosed), for example Roux-en-Y anastomosis.
Word origin: Late Latin anastomōsis, from Greek, outlet, from anastomoun, to furnish with a mouth : ana- + stoma, mouth.
Related forms: anastomotic (adjective).
Related terms:
- a-v anastomosis
- brauns anastomosis
- circular anastomosis
- damus-stancel-kaye anastomosis
- elliptical anastomosis
- intestinal anastomosis
- martin-gruber anastomosis
- termino-terminal anastomosis
- hoyers anastomoses
- portacaval anastomoses
