Corpus: Inferior rectal artery
1. Definition
The inferior rectal artery is a branch of the internal pudendal artery that provides blood supply to the lower part of the rectum and the anus.
2. Anatomy
The inferior rectal artery originates from the internal pudendal artery as it crosses the ischial tuberosity. It pierces the wall of the pudendal canal (Alcock's canal) and divides into two or three smaller branches. These branches travel through the ischiorectal fossa to supply the levator ani muscle, the external anal sphincter, and the skin and mucous membrane of the anus and lower buttock region.
3. Branches
- Muscular branches
- Cutaneous branches
4. Anastomoses
The inferior rectal artery forms connections with the perineal artery, the middle rectal artery, and the artery on the opposite side of the body.