Superficial epigastric artery

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 13 Dec 2021

The superficial epigastric artery (TA: arteria epigastrica superficialis) is a small cutaneous branch of the common femoral artery which contributes to the arterial supply of the anterior abdominal wall below the umbilicus.

Summary

  • origin: common femoral artery, approximately 1 cm below the inguinal ligament 4
  • course: passes superiorly, either piercing the fascia lata or passing through the saphenous opening before traveling anterior to the inguinal ligament and running within superficial fascia towards the umbilicus
  • termination: may anastomose with branches of the inferior epigastric artery or contralateral superficial epigastric artery
  • supply: branches supply the superficial subinguinal lymph nodes, and subcutaneous tissue and skin of the suprapubic region

See also

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