Blood Vessels of the Anterior Abdominal Wall

Blood Vessels of the Anterior Abdominal Wall Superior epigastric artery Arises from the internal thoracic artery , enters the rectus sheath, and descends on the posterior surface the rectus abdominis. Anastomoses with the inferior epigastric artery within the rectus abdominis Inferior epigastric artery Arises from the external iliac artery above the inguinal ligament, enters the rectus sheath, and ascends between the rectus abdominis and the posterior layer of the rectus sheath. Anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery, providing collateral circulation between the subclavian and external iliac arteries. Gives rise to the cremasteric artery , which accompanies the spermatic cord. Deep circumflex iliac artery Arises from the external iliac artery and runs laterally along the inguinal ligament and the iliac crest between the transverse and internal oblique muscles. Forms an ascending branch that anastomoses with the musculophrenic artery. Superficial epigastric arteries Arise from the femoral artery and run superiorly toward the umbilicus over the inguinal ligament. Anastomose with branches of the inferior epigastric artery. Superficial circumflex iliac artery Arises from the femoral artery and runs laterally upward, parallel to the inguinal ligament. Anastomoses with the deep circumflex iliac and lateral femoral circumflex arteries. Superficial (external) pudendal arteries Arise from the femoral artery, pierce the cribriform fascia, and run medially to supply the skin above Thoracoepigastric veins Are longitudinal venous connections between the lateral thoracic vein and the superficial epigastric vein. Provide a collateral route for venous return if a caval or portal obstruction occurs. ◄.....Go back to the Gross Anatomy homepage