Corpus: Superior rectal artery

The superior rectal artery is the terminal branch of the inferior mesenteric artery, responsible for supplying blood to the rectum.

The superior rectal artery descends within the mesentery of the sigmoid colon into the pelvic cavity, crossing over the left common iliac artery and vein. Near the third sacral vertebra, it divides into two branches that descend on either side of the rectum toward the anus. Approximately 10 to 12 cm above the anus, these branches further divide into numerous smaller branches. These branches penetrate the muscular tunic and descend as straight, regularly spaced vessels between the muscukar tunic and the rectal mucosa, extending as far as the internal sphincter muscle. Here, they supply the corpus cavernosum of the rectus and form anastomoses with branches of the middle rectal artery and the inferior rectal artery.

The superior rectal artery forms a crucial anastomosis with the last sigmoid artery, known as the Sudeck anastomosis. If the superior rectal artery is disrupted beyond this anastomosis, the blood supply to the upper rectum may be compromised.

The superior rectal artery provides arterial blood to the rectum and supplies the corpus cavernosum of the rectum, which plays a role in the fine sealing of the anus.

A vegetative nerve plexus, the superior rectal plexus, runs alongside the superior rectal artery.