Middle rectal artery

Middle rectal artery
The blood vessels of the rectum and anus, showing the distribution and anastomosis on the posterior surface near the termination of the gut. (Labeled as hemorrhoidal artery.)
The arteries of the pelvis.
Details
Source	Internal iliac artery
Vein	Middle rectal veins
Supplies	Rectum, seminal vesicle, vagina
Identifiers
Latin	Arteria rectalis media, arteria haemorrhoidalis media
TA98	A12.2.15.036
TA2	4338
FMA	18826
Anatomical terminology

The middle rectal artery is an artery in the pelvis that supplies blood to the rectum.

Structure

Internal iliac artery, showing branches, including middle rectal artery

The middle rectal artery usually arises with the inferior vesical artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery. It is distributed to the rectum, anastomosing with the inferior vesical artery, superior rectal artery, and inferior rectal artery.

In males, the middle rectal artery may give off branches to the prostate and the seminal vesicles, while in females it gives off branches to the vagina.

Additional images

• 
  Sigmoid colon and rectum, showing distribution of branches of inferior mesenteric artery and their anastomoses.
• 
  Middle rectal artery

See also

• Superior rectal artery
• Inferior rectal artery

External links

• Anatomy photo:43:13-0302 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The Female Pelvis: Branches of Internal Iliac Artery"
• pelvis at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (pelvicarteries)