(wil'is )

Brit. anatomist, 1621–1675.

circle of W.An arterial anastomosis that encircles the optic chiasm and hypophysis, from which the principal arteries supplying the brain are derived. It receives blood from the two internal carotid arteries and the basilar artery formed by union of the two vertebral arteries. SYN: cerebral arterial circle.

SEE: illus.

W. cord One of the cords crossing the superior longitudinal sinus transversely.

W. pancreas An obsolete term for the lesser pancreas.