Middle rectal artery
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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[2] and the anal canal inferior to the pectinate line. [3][4]
Pathology
The middle rectal artery may be embolized to treat patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids in a procedure called hemorrhoidal artery embolization.[5]
Additional images
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Sigmoid colon and rectum, showing distribution of branches of inferior mesenteric artery and their anastomoses.
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Middle rectal artery
See also
References
External links
- pelvis at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (pelvicarteries)
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