What is the term for the union of two arteries?

The term for the union of two arteries is anastomoses. This refers to the connection or joining of blood vessels, often allowing blood to flow between them. Anastomoses can occur naturally in the body, providing alternate pathways for blood circulation, which is essential for ensuring that tissues receive adequate blood supply even when one pathway is blocked or narrowed.

In contrast, an aneurysm refers to an abnormal bulge in an artery due to weakness in the arterial wall, which does not involve the union of arteries. Arteriovenous refers to a connection between an artery and a vein, which is a different type of vascular connection. Collateral circulation pertains to alternative routes for blood flow that develop over time, often as a response to blockages, rather than the direct union of two arteries.