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 (referred to as the internal mammary artery in the accompanying diagram).

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 (as may be caused by atherosclerosis), this collateral pathway may develop sufficiently, over time, to supply blood to the lower limbs.

Coarctation of the aorta

A congenitally narrowed aorta, due to coarctation, is often associated with a significant enlargement of the internal thoracic and epigastric arteries.