The middle rectal artery is an artery in the pelvis that supplies blood to the rectum.
| Middle rectal artery | |
|---|---|
 | |
 The arteries of the pelvis. | |
| Details | |
| Source | Internal iliac artery |
| Vein | Middle rectal veins |
| Supplies | Rectum, seminal vesicle, vagina |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | arteria rectalis media, arteria haemorrhoidalis media |
| TA98 | A12.2.15.036 |
| TA2 | 4338 |
| FMA | 18826 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Structure
The middle rectal artery usually arises from the internal iliac artery.[1] It is distributed to the rectum above the pectinate line.[2] It anastomoses with the inferior vesical artery, superior rectal artery, and inferior rectal artery.[2]
In males, the middle rectal artery may give off branches to the prostate and the seminal vesicles. In females, the middle rectal artery gives off branches to the vagina.
Function
The middle rectal artery supplies the rectum above the pectinate line.[2]
Additional images
Sigmoid colon and rectum, showing distribution of branches of inferior mesenteric artery and their anastomoses.
Middle rectal artery
See also
References
External links
- pelvis at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (pelvicarteries)
