Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
EN | DE | PT | ES Get help How to study Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower extremity
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
General
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Nervous tissue Muscle tissue Cartilage and bone
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Musculoskeletal system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphatic system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system
AnatomyAbdomenLarge intestineInferior rectal artery
Inferior rectal artery
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Inferior rectal artery

Author: Gordana Sendić MD • Reviewer: Kevin Kuschel, Arzt
Last reviewed: April 19, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

Inferior rectal artery (arteria rectalis inferior)
Inferior rectal artery (Arteria rectalis inferior)

The inferior rectal artery, also called the inferior hemorrhoidal artery or inferior anorectal artery, is a branch of the internal pudendal artery which supplies the rectum. It is found in the lesser pelvis, running medially across the ischioanal fossa towards the lower rectum.

Upon reaching the rectum, it splits into smaller branches which supply the anal canal, internal and external anal sphincter, as well as the perianal skin.

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

Key facts about the inferior rectal artery
Origin Internal pudendal artery
Branches Rectal branches
Supply Anal canal, internal and external anal sphincter, perianal skin
Contents
  1. Origin and course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and course

The inferior rectal artery arises as the terminal branch of the internal pudendal artery, just as it pierces the wall of the pudendal canal. It runs inferiorly and medially across the ischioanal fossa towards the anal canal and splits into several terminal branches which are distributed to the muscles and integument of the anal region.

Inferior anorectal artery
Arteria anorectalis inferior
1/2
Synonyms: Inferior rectal artery, Inferior hemorroidal artery , show more...

Branches and supply

The terminal branches of the inferior rectal artery form anastomoses with the superior and middle rectal arteries, as well as the perineal artery. The branches of the inferior rectal artery supply the anorectal junction, internal and external anal sphincters, the anal canal inferior to the pectinate line and the skin of the perianal region.

Rectum and anal canal Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Singh, V. (2011). Anatomy of abdomen and lower limb. London: Elsevier Health Sciences APAC.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41tst ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Illustrators:

  • Inferior rectal artery (arteria rectalis inferior) - Begoña Rodriguez

Inferior rectal 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?

Videos Quizzes Both

“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!