Inferior epigastric artery
Encyclopedia
In human anatomy
, inferior epigastric artery refers to the artery
that arises from the external iliac artery
and anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery
. Along its course, it is accompanied by a similarly named vein, the inferior epigastric vein
.
, immediately above the inguinal ligament
.
It curves forward in the subperitoneal tissue, and then ascends obliquely along the medial margin of the abdominal inguinal ring; continuing its course upward, it pierces the transversalis fascia
, and, passing in front of the linea semicircularis, ascends between the Rectus abdominis and the posterior lamella of its sheath.
It finally divides into numerous branches, which anastomose, above the umbilicus
, with the superior epigastric branch of the internal thoracic artery
and with the lower intercostal arteries.
As the inferior epigastric artery passes obliquely upward from its origin it lies along the lower and medial margins of the abdominal inguinal ring, and behind the commencement of the spermatic cord
.
The vas deferens
, as it leaves the spermatic cord
in the male, and the round ligament of the uterus
in the female, winds around the lateral and posterior aspects of the artery.
"
Human anatomy
Human anatomy is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the human body. Anatomy is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy is the study of anatomical structures that can be seen by the naked eye...
, inferior epigastric artery refers to the artery
Artery
Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. This blood is normally oxygenated, exceptions made for the pulmonary and umbilical arteries....
that arises from the external iliac artery
External iliac artery
The external iliac arteries are two major arteries which bifurcate off the common iliac arteries anterior to the sacroiliac joint of the pelvis. They proceed anterior and inferior along the medial border of the psoas major muscles...
and anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery
Superior epigastric artery
In human anatomy, superior epigastric artery refers to a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood and arises from the internal thoracic artery...
. Along its course, it is accompanied by a similarly named vein, the inferior epigastric vein
Inferior epigastric vein
In human anatomy, inferior epigastric vein refers to the vein that drains into the external iliac vein and arises from the superior epigastric vein...
.
Course
It arises from the external iliac arteryExternal iliac artery
The external iliac arteries are two major arteries which bifurcate off the common iliac arteries anterior to the sacroiliac joint of the pelvis. They proceed anterior and inferior along the medial border of the psoas major muscles...
, immediately above the inguinal ligament
Inguinal ligament
The inguinal ligament is a band running from the pubic tubercle to the anterior superior iliac spine. Its anatomy is very important for operating on hernia patients.-Anatomy:...
.
It curves forward in the subperitoneal tissue, and then ascends obliquely along the medial margin of the abdominal inguinal ring; continuing its course upward, it pierces the transversalis fascia
Transversalis fascia
The transversalis fascia is a thin aponeurotic membrane which lies between the inner surface of the Transversus abdominis and the extraperitoneal fascia....
, and, passing in front of the linea semicircularis, ascends between the Rectus abdominis and the posterior lamella of its sheath.
It finally divides into numerous branches, which anastomose, above the umbilicus
Navel
The navel is a scar on the abdomen caused when the umbilical cord is removed from a newborn baby...
, with the superior epigastric branch of the internal thoracic artery
Internal thoracic artery
In human anatomy, the internal thoracic artery , previously known as the internal mammary artery , is an artery that supplies the anterior chest wall and the breasts...
and with the lower intercostal arteries.
As the inferior epigastric artery passes obliquely upward from its origin it lies along the lower and medial margins of the abdominal inguinal ring, and behind the commencement of the spermatic cord
Spermatic cord
The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the ductus deferens and surrounding tissue that run from the abdomen down to each testicle.-Contents of spermatic cord:...
.
The vas deferens
Vas deferens
The vas deferens , also called ductus deferens, , is part of the male anatomy of many vertebrates; they transport sperm from the epididymis in anticipation of ejaculation....
, as it leaves the spermatic cord
Spermatic cord
The spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the ductus deferens and surrounding tissue that run from the abdomen down to each testicle.-Contents of spermatic cord:...
in the male, and the round ligament of the uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
in the female, winds around the lateral and posterior aspects of the artery.
External links
- "Incisions and the contents of the rectus sheath." - "Anterior Abdominal Wall: Blood Vessels in the Rectus sheathRectus sheath
The Rectus sheath is formed by the aponeuroses of the Obliqui and Transversus. It contains the Rectus abdominis and Pyramidalis muscles.It can be divided into anterior and posterior laminae....
"