Dictionary.net

one of three arteries supplying the anterior walls of the abdomen

one of three arteries supplying the anterior walls of the abdomen

Inferior and external epigastric arteries arise from external iliac; superficial from femoral; superior from internal thoracic. They supply the abdominal muscles, diaphragm, iliac region, and groin. The inferior epigastric artery is used in coronary artery bypass grafting and myocardial revascularization.

It arises from the external iliac, on a level with the crural arch; sometimes by a trunk proper to it, at others by one common to it and the Obturator artery. It ascends upwards and inwards, behind the spermatic cord, follows the outer edge of the rectus alidominis muscle, and anastomoses, towards the umbilicus, with the internal mammary. The epigastric artery anastomoses, also, with the obturator, spermatic, lumbar, and intercostal vessels.