The superior epigastric artery is an artery of the anterior abdominal wall. It is a terminal branch of the internal mammary artery.
It contributes to the blood supply of the diaphragm and anterior abdominal wall.
Course
The superior epigastric artery originates at the sixth costal cartilage as a terminal continuation of the internal mammary artery. It travels inferiorly, passing between the costal and sternal origins of the diaphragm.
The artery then reaches the anterior abdominal wall and enters the rectus sheath (posterior to the rectus abdominis muscle). It descends within the rectus sheath, providing branches to the anterior abdominal wall.
At the level of the umbilicus, the superior epigastric artery terminates by dividing into branches that anastomose with the inferior epigastric artery.
Supply
The superior epigastric artery contributes to the blood supply of the following structures:
- Anterior diaphragm
- Anterior abdominal wall
- Subcutaneous tissue and skin of the abdomen
Fig 2 – The superior epigastric artery contributes to the blood supply of the anterior abdominal wall.
