Arteriovenous anastomosis

Definition

An arteriovenous anastomosis is a direct connection between an artery and a vein, bypassing the capillary bed. This anatomical structure allows for the regulation of blood flow and temperature within tissues.

Related terms

Artery: A blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body.

Vein: A blood vessel that returns deoxygenated blood back towards the heart from different parts of the body.

Capillary Bed: A network of small blood vessels where exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste occurs between blood and tissues