Definition

Noun 1. Anatomical Structure: Several small arteries that branch directly from the splenic artery and supply blood to the greater curvature (the outer, longer curve) of the stomach.

Usage

• The term vasa brevis is used exclusively in anatomical and medical contexts to describe this specific group of blood vessels.
• It functions as a plural noun (the singular is , though rarely used in isolation).
• It is often used in descriptions of surgical procedures, anatomical studies, or clinical reports involving the stomach or spleen.

Examples

• During the gastrectomy, the surgeon carefully ligated the vasa brevis to control bleeding.
• The arterial supply to the fundus of the stomach includes the vasa brevis.
• An anatomical variation was noted where one of the vasa brevis originated more proximally on the splenic artery.

Advanced Usage

• Synonymous Term: Short gastric arteries. This is the more common clinical and descriptive term. "Vasa brevis" is the formal Latin anatomical name.
  • Example: The short gastric arteries (vasa brevis) were identified and preserved.

Variants and Related Words

• Vas breve (n.): The singular form, referring to one of these short arteries. Rarely used alone.
• Splenic artery (n.): The parent artery from which the vasa brevis branch.
• Greater curvature (n.): The anatomical region of the stomach supplied by the vasa brevis.

Synonyms

• Short gastric arteries (n.): The direct English translation and functional synonym.

Notes

• Etymology: From Latin, meaning "vessels" and meaning "short."
• Context: This term is highly specialized. In general medical communication, "short gastric arteries" is preferred for clarity. "Vasa brevis" is standard in formal anatomical nomenclature.

Noun

1. several small arteries branching off of the splenic artery and going to the greater curvature of the stomach