General Anatomy · Cardiovascular System · Medium

Anastomosis

Meaning: A connection between two vessels or tubes, either naturally occurring or created surgically.

In practice: After removing the tumour, the surgeon joined the two bowel ends with a stapled anastomosis.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: A large organ that filters blood, produces bile, and processes nutrients.

Which word means: Uppermost part of the sternum, articulating with the clavicles and first costal cartilages.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.