Definition

1. Noun:
   • A connecting vein between larger veins: Specifically, an "anastomotic vein" is a small vein that forms a direct connection between two larger veins, allowing blood to flow from one to the other.
   • A cerebral communicating vein: In neuroanatomy, it often refers specifically to either of two veins (the superior and inferior anastomotic veins) that connect the superficial veins of the brain to the deep dural venous sinuses, serving as an important circulatory pathway.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully avoided the anastomotic vein during the procedure.
  • An occlusion in an anastomotic vein can sometimes be compensated for by alternative pathways.

Advanced Usage

• "Anastomotic venous network": Refers to a complex system of interconnected small veins.
  • The brain's anastomotic venous network provides redundancy in cerebral drainage.

Variants and Related Words

• Anastomosis (n): The actual connection or junction between two tubular structures, such as blood vessels or loops of intestine.
  • The surgical anastomosis healed well.
• Venous anastomosis (n): A connection specifically between veins.

Synonyms

• Communicating vein: A vein that forms a connection between two other venous structures.
• Connecting vein: A general term for a vein that links two parts of the venous system.

Related Phrases

• To form an anastomosis: The process by which vessels interconnect.
  • The two veins anastomose to create a collateral pathway.

Noun

1. either of two communicating veins serving the brain