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

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
SourceInternal iliac artery
VeinMiddle rectal veins
SuppliesRectum, seminal vesicle, vagina
Identifiers
Latinarteria rectalis media,
arteria haemorrhoidalis media
TA98A12.2.15.036
TA24338
FMA18826
Anatomical terminology

Structure

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Internal iliac artery, showing branches, including middle rectal artery

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

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The middle rectal artery supplies the rectum[2] and the anal canal inferior to the pectinate line. [3][4]

Pathology

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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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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage". Diagnostic Imaging: Interventional Procedures (2nd ed.). Elsevier. 2018. pp. 376–389. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-52481-0.50052-5. ISBN 978-0-323-52481-0.
  2. ^ a b c Edozien, G. Y. Bajowa (2016). "Sexual Offenses, Adult: Normal Anogenital Anatomy and Variants". Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine (2nd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 286–311. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-800034-2.00074-4. ISBN 978-0-12-800055-7.
  3. ^ Ahmed, A; Arbor, TC; Qureshi, WA (2024). "Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Anal Canal". StatPearls Publishing.
  4. ^ Florescu, G; Slockee, H; Yip, J. "Middle rectal artery". doi:10.53347/rID-40558.
  5. ^ "Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE)". www.uclahealth.org. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
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