Quick Facts
Origin: Femoral artery.
Course: Superomedially towards the umbilicus.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Subcutaneous tissue of inguinal region and inferior abdominal wall.
Origin
The superficial epigastric artery arises from the proximal portion of the femoral artery.
Course
From its origin near the superficial circumflex iliac artery, it travels anteriorly and pierces the cribriform fascia (part of the superficial fascia of the thigh covering the saphenous opening). It then travels superomedially, anterior to the inguinal ligament within the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior abdominal wall. It anastomoses with the inferior epigastric arteries around the level of the umbilicus.
Branches
The superficial epigastric artery gives rise to several small unnamed cutaneous branches.
Supplied Structures
The superficial epigastric artery provides cutaneous supply to the inguinal region and the lower anterior abdominal wall.
