Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

anaphylactoid purpura
A form of blood vessel
inflammation that affects small capillaries in the
skin and the kidneys. It results in skin rash associ-
ated with joint inflammation (arthritis) and cramp-
ing pain in the abdomen. Anaphylactoid purpura
frequently follows a bacterial or viral infection of the
throat or breathing passages, and it is an unusual
reaction of the body’s immune system to this infec-
tion. It occurs most commonly in children.
Generally a mild illness that resolves spontaneously,
anaphylactoid purpura can sometimes cause serious
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problems in the kidneys and bowels. Treatment is
directed toward the most significant area of involve-
ment. Also known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura
(HSP).
anaphylaxis
An allergic reaction. In severe
cases, anaphylaxis can include potentially deadly
anaphylactic shock. See also 
allergic reaction;
anaphylactic shock.
anastomosis
The connection of normally sepa-
rate parts. An anastomosis may be naturally occur-
ring or it may be created during embryonic
development, surgery, or trauma, or by pathological
means. An anastomosis may, for example, connect
two blood vessels, or it may connect the healthy sec-
tions of the colon or rectum after a cancerous or
otherwise diseased portion has been surgically
removed.
anat.
Abbreviation for anatomy.
anatomy
The study of human or animal form, by
observation or examination of the living being,
examination or dissection of dead specimens,
microscopic examination, and/or textbooks.
anatomy, gross
In medicine, the study of human
structures that can be seen with the naked eye.
Known among medical students studying human
anatomy simply as “gross.”