Word: Communicating Artery
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A "communicating artery" refers to any of three arteries in the brain that connect different blood vessels, forming a structure called the Circle of Willis. This circle helps ensure that blood can flow to various parts of the brain, even if one pathway is blocked.
In advanced medical discussions, you might encounter terms like "anterior communicating artery" and "posterior communicating artery," which specify the different types of communicating arteries in the Circle of Willis.
While "communicating artery" has a specific meaning in anatomy, the word "communicating" on its own generally refers to the act of sharing information, as in "communicating ideas."
There aren't direct synonyms for "communicating artery" in a medical context, but in a broader sense, you might consider: - Blood vessel: A general term for any vessel in the body that carries blood.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "communicating artery," but you might encounter phrases like: - "Bridge the gap," which means to connect or link two things, similar to how the communicating arteries connect different parts of the brain.
A communicating artery is an important feature in brain anatomy that helps maintain blood flow.