What are the inferior epigastric vessels?
The inferior epigastric artery is a branch of the external iliac artery. The inferior epigastric vessels give off several branches that supply the skin and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, the deep structures of the abdominal wall and the spermatic cord.
What is the inferior epigastric a branch of?
The inferior epigastric artery is a direct branch off the external iliac artery. This artery continues moving superiorly and medially for 4–6 cm before it enters the rectus abdominis muscle. The artery gives off several small branches as it runs from the external iliac artery to the muscle (see Figure 5.5).
Why is the inferior epigastric artery clinically important?
The inferior epigastric artery (IEA) is a major blood vessel that supplies the anterior abdominal wall. The aim of the current study was to provide clinicians, surgeons, and obstetricians with sufficient anatomical data on the inferior epigastric artery, such as its origin and branching pattern.
What does the inferior epigastric vein drain into?
The inferior epigastric vein drains into the external iliac vein near its lower end just above the inguinal ligament.
What is deep inferior epigastric?
The deep inferior epigastric artery arises from the external iliac artery and runs from lateral to medial under the rectus muscle. It can enter the substance of the muscle or run deep to it, while sending branches into the muscle and through the muscle.
What is superficial inferior epigastric artery flap?
The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap allows for harvest of the lower abdominal fatty tissue based on the superficial inferior epigastric system. Occasionally, the flow from the superficial system may be more robust than that of the deep inferior epigastric system.
What are epigastric perforators?
On the contralateral side, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) and the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) are demonstrated. Both the DIEP and SIEA system provide circulation to the lower abdominal skin. The perforating branches pierce the rectus fascia to supply the abdominal fat and skin.
What is the superficial epigastric artery?
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.
What is the function of the inferior epigastric vessels?
The inferior epigastric vessels give off several branches that supply the skin and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, the deep structures of the abdominal wall and the spermatic cord. It terminates at the level of the umbilicus by anastomosing with the superior epigastric artery. This article will discuss the anatomy and function
Where does the inferior epigastric artery anastomosis end?
During its course above the arcuate line, the inferior epigastric artery is reflected on the parietal peritoneum as bilateral raised ridges called the lateral umbilical folds. The artery ends at the level of the umbilicus where it anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery.