anastomosis etymology

Etymology:

  • From Greek "anastomosis," meaning "a returning mouth" or "joined mouths."

Meaning:

  • In anatomy, anastomosis refers to the connection between two blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, or nerves.
  • It allows for collateral circulation or flow of fluid between the connected structures.

Origin:

The term "anastomosis" was first used by ancient Greek physicians to describe the interconnected network of blood vessels in the liver. The term is derived from the Greek words:

  • ana- (ἀνά-): meaning "upward, back," suggesting a returning or joining.
  • stoma (στόμα): meaning "mouth," referring to the openings of the vessels.

The concept of anastomosis became more widely known in the 17th century, following the work of English physician William Harvey, who described the circulation of blood. Harvey's discovery of the capillary network connecting arteries and veins ultimately led to a better understanding of the interconnectedness of blood flow.

Today, the term "anastomosis" is used in various medical fields, including:

  • Surgery: Surgeons create anastomoses to bypass or repair damaged blood vessels or organs.
  • Cardiology: Coronary artery bypass surgery involves grafting a vessel to create an anastomosis around a blocked artery.
  • Radiology: Interventional radiologists use catheters to perform anastomoses within blood vessels to treat conditions such as strokes.

anastomosis relate terms

  • stoma

    Etymology The word stoma comes from the Greek word στόμα stóma meaning mou

  • junction

    Etymology The word junction comes from the Latin word iungere meaning to join or

  • conjunction

    Etymology The word conjunction comes from the Latin word conjunctio which means jo

  • conjugation

    Etymology Latin conjugare meaning to join unite Proto Italic konjugare Proto Indo

  • halcyon

    Etymology Early 17th century from Late Latin halcyōn from Greek halkyōn the name o

  • traffic

    Etymology The word traffic comes from the Middle English word trafique which in turn

  • issue

    Etymology The word issue originates from the Old French word issu which is the past

  • discretion

    Etymology The word discretion comes from the Middle English word discrecioun which

  • shoe

    Etymology The word shoe comes from the Old English word scōh meaning footwear T

  • coroner

    Etymology The word coroner is derived from the Anglo Norman French word corouner whi