Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Superior Anorectal Artery
Cardiovascular System

Superior Anorectal Artery

Arteria anorectalis superior

Read more

Quick Facts

Origin: Inferior Mesenteric artery.

Course: Inferiorly along the superior rectum.

Branches: None.

Supplied Structures: Upper two thirds of the rectum.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

Origin

As the inferior mesenteric artery crosses the pelvic brim, it continues as the superior anorectal artery.

Course

The superior anorectal artery enters the mesorectum at the level of third sacral vertebrae (S3) and divides into terminal branches which travel inferiorly.

Branches

The terminal branches of the superior anorectal artery enter the rectal wall and anastomose with branches of the middle and inferior anorectal arteries.

Supplied Structures

The superior anorectal artery is the primary supply to the upper two thirds of the rectum. It continues inferiorly and anastomoses with the middle and inferior anorectal arteries, to contribute to the supply of the lower rectum and the anal canal.

Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products

Artery

ScienceDirect image

Arteries are vessels transporting blood between heart, tissues, and other organs in order to supply them with nutrition and oxygen.

Explore on ScienceDirect opens in new tab/window

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy