In
human anatomyHuman anatomy, which, with physiology and biochemistry, is a complementary basic medical science is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the adult human body. Anatomy is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy...
,
inferior epigastric artery refers to the
arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. All arteries, with the exception of the pulmonary and umbilical arteries, carry oxygenated blood.The circulatory system is extremely important for sustaining life...
that arises from the
external iliac arteryThe external iliac artery is a large artery in the pelvic region that carries blood to the lower limb.The external iliac artery is a paired artery, meaning there is one on each side of the body: a right external iliac artery and left external iliac artery.The external iliac artery is accompanied by...
and anastomoses with the
superior epigastric arteryIn 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 veinIn human anatomy, inferior epigastric vein refers to the vein that drains into the external iliac vein and arises from the superior epigastric vein...
.
In
human anatomyHuman anatomy, which, with physiology and biochemistry, is a complementary basic medical science is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the adult human body. Anatomy is subdivided into gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy...
,
inferior epigastric artery refers to the
arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. All arteries, with the exception of the pulmonary and umbilical arteries, carry oxygenated blood.The circulatory system is extremely important for sustaining life...
that arises from the
external iliac arteryThe external iliac artery is a large artery in the pelvic region that carries blood to the lower limb.The external iliac artery is a paired artery, meaning there is one on each side of the body: a right external iliac artery and left external iliac artery.The external iliac artery is accompanied by...
and anastomoses with the
superior epigastric arteryIn 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 veinIn 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, immediately above the
inguinal ligamentThe 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 fasciaThe 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
umbilicusUmbilicus may refer to:*Umbilicus , a feature of gastropod, Nautilus and Ammonite shell anatomy*umbilicus, a synonym for the navel or belly button....
, with the superior epigastric branch of the internal mammary (internal thoracic artery) and with the lower intercostal arteries.
As the
inferior epigastric arteryIn human anatomy, inferior epigastric artery refers to the artery that arises from the external iliac artery and anastomoses with the superior 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 cordThe spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas deferens and surrounding tissue that run from the abdomen down to each testicle.-Contents of spermatic cord:...
.
The
vas deferensThe vas deferens , also called ductus deferens, , is part of the male anatomy of some species; they transport sperm from the epididymis in anticipation of ejaculation.-Structure:...
, as it leaves the
spermatic cordThe spermatic cord is the name given to the cord-like structure in males formed by the vas 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
uterusThe uterus is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals, including humans. It is within the uterus that the fetus develops during gestation. The term uterus is used consistently within the medical and related professions; the Germanic term, womb is more common in...
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 sheathThe 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....
"