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Definition

noun

A type of anastomoses which occurs between the veins of portal circulation and veins of systemic circulation.

Supplement

Examples of this are: esophageal varices, haemorrhoids, and caput medusae.

These anastomoses are clinically important in providing collateral circulation, especially during portal circulation obstruction or portal hypertension.

Synonyms:

• portal-systemic anastomoses
• portal caval system