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Elsevier
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Superior Anorectal Artery
Cardiovascular System

Superior Anorectal Artery

Arteria anorectalis superior

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Quick Facts

Origin: Inferior Mesenteric artery.

Course: Inferiorly along the superior rectum.

Branches: None.

Supplied Structures: Upper two thirds of the rectum.

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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.

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Complete Anatomy