Middle rectal artery

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Artery: Middle rectal artery
The blood vessels of the rectum and anus, showing the distribution and anastomosis on the posterior surface near the termination of the gut. (Labeled as hemorrhoidal artery.)
The arteries of the pelvis.
Latin arteria rectalis media
Gray's subject #155 615
Supplies Rectum, seminal vesicle, vagina
Source Internal iliac artery   
Vein Middle rectal veins
Dorlands
/ Elsevier    		 a_61/12155671

The middle rectal artery is an artery in the pelvis that supplies blood to the rectum.

Contents

[edit] Structure

Internal iliac artery, showing branches, including middle rectal artery
Internal iliac artery, showing branches, including middle rectal artery

The middle rectal artery usually arises with the inferior vesical artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery. It is distributed to the rectum, anastomosing with the inferior vesical artery, superior rectal artery, and inferior rectal artery.

In males, the middle rectal artery may give off branches to the prostate and the seminal vesicles, while in females it gives off branches to the vagina.

[edit] Additional images

Sigmoid colon and rectum, showing distribution of branches of inferior mesenteric artery and their anastomoses.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

 This cardiovascular system article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
Languages