Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study Login Register
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Inferior epigastric artery

Inferior epigastric artery (arteria epigastrica inferior)
Inferior epigastric artery (arteria epigastrica inferior)

The inferior epigastric artery is a branch of the external iliac artery. It is found on the anterior abdominal wall, passing superomedially from the inguinal canal towards the midline.

The inferior epigastric vessels give off several branches that supply the skin and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, the deep structures of the abdominal wall and the spermatic cord. It terminates at the level of the umbilicus by anastomosing with the superior epigastric artery.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the inferior epigastric artery.

Key facts about the inferior epigastric artery
Origin External iliac artery
Branches Muscular branches, anastomotic branches, cremasteric artery, pubic branch
Supply Muscles and skin of the anterior abdominal wall; deep abdominal wall of the pubic and lower umbilical regions, spermatic cord
Contents
  1. Origin and course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Anatomical variations
  4. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and course

The inferior epigastric artery arises from the external iliac artery immediately superior to the inguinal ligament. It ascends medially to the deep inguinal ring towards the midline while running posterior to the spermatic cord and anterior to the transversalis fascia. Below the arcuate line, the inferior epigastric vessels pierce the transversalis fascia on each side of the rectus sheath and enter the rectus abdominis muscle. The artery then runs within the rectus sheath, between the transversalis fascia and the posterior wall of the rectus abdominis. During its course above the arcuate line, the inferior epigastric artery is reflected on the parietal peritoneum as bilateral raised ridges called the lateral umbilical folds. The artery ends at the level of the umbilicus where it anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery.

The inferior epigastric artery, together with its accompanying veins, forms the lateral border of the Hesselbach’s triangle. This is an important anatomical landmark which outlines the site of the occurrence of direct inguinal hernias.

Branches and supply

Along its course, the inferior epigastric artery gives off several branches, including muscular branches, anastomotic branches, cutaneous branches, the cremasteric artery and a pubic branch.

  • Muscular branches: supply the parietal peritoneum, rectus abdominis, the medial portions of the transversus abdominis, internal abdominal oblique and external abdominal oblique muscles. These branches anastomose with the circumflex iliac and lumbar arteries.
  • Anastomotic branches: these anastomose with the lower six posterior intercostal arteries at the level of the lateral border of the rectus sheath, posterior to the rectus abdominis.
  • Cutaneous branches: these run anteriorly across the anterior abdominal muscles and pierce the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, emerging on the subcutaneous tissue where they anastomose with the superficial epigastric artery. These branches supply the skin of the anterior abdominal wall.
  • Cremasteric artery: runs within the spermatic cord in males and supplies its layers, as well as the cremaster muscle. The cremasteric artery in females is rudimentary and accompanies the round ligament of uterus.
  • Pubic branch: arises near the femoral ring and runs inferiorly behind the pubic bone to reach the obturator foramen. It anastomoses with the pubic branch of the obturator artery.

Anatomical variations

Several anatomical variations are identified in the origin and branching of the inferior epigastric artery. The inferior epigastric artery may occasionally arise from the femoral artery, obturator artery or from the external iliac artery as a common trunk with the obturator artery.

As already mentioned, the pubic branch of the inferior epigastric artery anastomoses with the obturator artery. A common variation, that occurs in about 20% of people, involves the pubic branch that is larger than the obturator artery and takes over the majority of the blood flow to the obturator artery. The pubic branch of the inferior epigastric artery is then considered as the site of origin of the obturator artery, and is referred to as the aberrant or replaced obturator artery. The inferior epigastric may also be doubled. Relatively often, the artery can be referred to as the deep inferior epigastric artery when a superficial one is present.

Test your knowledge on the neurovasculature of the abdominal wall with this quiz.

Inferior epigastric artery: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!