dissect /disekt″/ [L, dissecare, to cut apart] , 1. to cut apart tissues for visual or microscopic study using a scalpel, a probe, or scissors. Compare bisect. 2. to tear away the intima of an artery, creating a false lumen that allows blood to flow into the wall of the artery. An aortic dissection that spreads to the coronary arteries can cause sudden death. −dissection, n.
