Anastomosis

An anastomosis is the connection of two structures, specifically blood vessels or other tubular structures such as loops of intestine. There are natural circulatory anastomoses that provide redundancy of blood supply to an area. Anastomoses may also be created during surgical procedures.

Examples of natural anastomoses in the thorax include the superior epigastric artery anastomosing with the inferior epigastric artery, and the anastomoses between anterior intercostal arteries and their corresponding posterior intercostal arteries.