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AnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsSuperficial epigastric artery
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AnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsSuperficial epigastric artery

Superficial epigastric artery

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Jana Vasković, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Femoral artery and its branches [15:12]
Overview of the femoral artery and its branches from an anterior view.
Superficial epigastric artery (Arteria epigastrica superficialis)

The superficial epigastric artery is a small branch of the femoral artery. It arises inferior to the inguinal ligament and courses superiorly to emerge on the anterior abdominal wall. The artery terminates on the anterior abdominal wall by anastomosing with its contralateral counterpart and the branches of the inferior epigastric artery.

The main function of the superficial epigastric artery is to provide the blood supply for the superficial inguinal lymph nodes and skin of the anterior abdominal wall.

Key facts about the superficial epigastric artery
Origin Femoral artery
Branches Unnamed collateral branches
Supply Superficial inguinal lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissue and skinof anterior abdominal wall below umbilicus 

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

Contents
  1. Course
  2. Branches and supply
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Course

Superficial epigastric artery
Arteria epigastrica superficialis
1/3
Synonyms: none

The superficial epigastric artery is a branch of the femoral artery, originating about 1 centimeter below the inguinal ligament. It then courses superiorly, traverses the cribriform fascia and passes anterior to the middle segment of the inguinal ligament. After crossing the inguinal ligament it continues its course through the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior abdominal wall towards the umbilicus.

The artery terminates at the umbilical region by anastomosing with its contralateral counterpart and with the ipsilateral inferior epigastric artery.

Branches and supply

Along its course, the superficial epigastric artery provides with small branches that supply the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissue and skin of the inguinal region and anterior abdominal wall below the umbilicus.

Superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Nodi lymphoidei inguinales superficiales
1/2
Synonyms: Nodi lymphatici inguinales superficiales, Lymphonodi inguinales superficiales

If you want to learn more about the nerves and vessels of the abominable wall check out our other articles, videos, quizzes and labeled diagrams.

Neurovasculature of the abdominal wall 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.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergman’s comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • Superficial epigastric artery (Arteria epigastrica superficialis) - Rebecca Betts

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