Superior epigastric artery
In human anatomy, the superior epigastric artery is a terminal branch of the internal thoracic artery that provides arterial supply to the abdominal wall, and upper rectus abdominis muscle. It enters the rectus sheath to descend upon the inner surface of the rectus abdominis muscle. It ends by anastomosing with the inferior epigastric artery.
Structure
Origin
The superior epigastric artery arises from the internal thoracic artery.
Course and relations
The superior epigastric artery pierces the diaphragm to enter the rectus sheath and descend upon the deep surface of the rectus abdominis.
Along its course, it is accompanied by a similarly named vein, the superior epigastric vein.
Anastomoses
It anastomoses with the inferior epigastric artery within the rectus abdominis muscle at the umbilicus.
Distribution
Where it anastomoses, the superior epigastric artery supplies the anterior part of the abdominal wall, upper rectus abdominis muscle, and some of the diaphragm.
Collateralization in disease
Vascular disease
The superior epigastric arteries, inferior epigastric arteries, internal thoracic arteries and left subclavian artery and right subclavian artery / brachiocephalic are collateral vessels to the thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta. If the abdominal aorta develops a significant stenosis and/or blockage, this collateral pathway may develop sufficiently, over time, to supply blood to the lower limbs.
A congenitally narrowed aorta, due to coarctation, is often associated with a significant enlargement of the internal thoracic and epigastric arteries.