Middle rectal 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.
Details
Latin Arteria rectalis media,
arteria haemorrhoidalis media
Source
Internal iliac artery
Middle rectal veins
Supplies Rectum, seminal vesicle, vagina
Identifiers
Gray's p.615
Dorlands
/Elsevier
a_61/12155671
TA A12.2.15.036
FMA 18826
Anatomical terminology

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

Structure

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.

Additional images

See also

External links