Arterial anastomoses are best described as:

• A. Connections between arteries supplying the same territory
• B. Vascular channels that drain capillaries into venules
• C. Small arteries feeding capillary beds
• D. Vein-to-artery shunts

Answer: (A)

Arterial anastomoses are direct connections between arteries that supply the same region, creating collateral pathways for blood flow. This setup lets blood reach the same tissue from more than one arterial route, which is especially important if one artery narrows or becomes blocked—the other artery can continue to perfuse the area. The other options point to different vascular concepts: draining channels from capillaries into the venous system describe venous drainage, not arterial connections; small arteries that feed capillary beds are arterioles, not anastomoses; and shunts between vein and artery bypass the capillary beds entirely, which is an arteriovenous shunt, not an arterial-to-arterial connection.