PRECAPILLARY ANASTOMOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Precapillary anastomosis is a term used in the field of anatomy and physiology to describe a specialized network of small blood vessels that connect the arterial and venous systems directly, bypassing the capillaries. The word "precapillary" refers to the vessels that are positioned before the actual capillaries, while "anastomosis" refers to the joining or connection of two blood vessels.
This vascular network serves as an alternative route for blood flow in certain tissues where capillary beds may be insufficient or compromised. The precapillary anastomosis is composed of small arterial branches that directly connect to small veins, thus allowing for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products to occur at a faster rate compared to diffusion via capillaries.
The presence of precapillary anastomosis is especially vital in organs or tissues with high metabolic demands or under conditions that require increased blood flow, such as during exercise or tissue repair after injury. It enhances the efficiency of oxygen and nutrient delivery to the cells, ensuring their proper functioning and preventing tissue damage.
Precapillary anastomosis can be found in various locations throughout the body, including the muscles, skin, and some organs. The intricate network of these vessels ensures the maintenance of proper blood circulation and supports the physiological processes required for optimal tissue function.
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An a. between minute arteries just before they become capillaries.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PRECAPILLARY ANASTOMOSIS
- orecapillary anastomosis
- lrecapillary anastomosis
- -recapillary anastomosis
- 0recapillary anastomosis
- peecapillary anastomosis
- pdecapillary anastomosis
- pfecapillary anastomosis
- ptecapillary anastomosis
- p5ecapillary anastomosis
- p4ecapillary anastomosis
- prwcapillary anastomosis
- prscapillary anastomosis
- prdcapillary anastomosis
- prrcapillary anastomosis
- pr4capillary anastomosis
- pr3capillary anastomosis
- prexapillary anastomosis
- prevapillary anastomosis
- prefapillary anastomosis
- predapillary anastomosis
Etymology of PRECAPILLARY ANASTOMOSIS
The etymology of the word "precapillary anastomosis" can be broken down as follows:1. "Pre-": This prefix is derived from the Latin word "prae", meaning "before" or "in front of". In medical terminology, it often indicates "prior to" or "in advance of".2. "Capillary": This word is derived from the Latin "capillaris", which means "of hair" and refers to the small, hair-like blood vessels in the body. Capillaries are the narrowest and most numerous blood vessels, responsible for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues.3. "Anastomosis": This term comes from the Greek word "anastomosis", meaning "a reopening" or "connection". In medical contexts, it refers to a connection or communication between two blood vessels, usually bypassing a certain area.
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