Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Practice Test

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The anastomosis of arcades between the superior and inferior mesenteric vessels is known as what?

  1. Long anastomosis of Riolan

  2. Short anastomosis of Riolan

  3. Connecting anastomosis

  4. Collateral circulation

The correct answer is: Long anastomosis of Riolan

The term "Long anastomosis of Riolan" refers to the significant connection between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, allowing for collateral blood flow in the intestine. This anastomosis represents a crucial vascular pathway that can maintain blood supply to the bowel, particularly when blood flow from one of the primary mesenteric arteries may be compromised. Anastomoses in general, such as the one described, are important in maintaining collateral circulation, which ensures that if there is a blockage or narrowing in one artery, blood can still reach the tissue from another source. The long anastomosis of Riolan is specifically characterized by its length and its role in connecting the two mesenteric vessels over a greater distance. This anatomical feature is significant in surgical procedures involving the intestines and can have implications for grafting and understanding vascular diseases in the abdominal region. Thus, this option is recognized as the primary anatomical description of the connection between the two arterial systems in the context of surgical anatomy and vascular supply to the intestines.