Inferior Epigastric Artery

What is the inferior epigastric artery?

Your inferior epigastric artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood in your abdomen (belly). It’s one of three epigastric arteries that supply blood to your abdominal muscles (which you probably call your “abs”). Your three epigastric arteries include:

• Inferior epigastric artery.
• Superior epigastric artery.
• Superficial epigastric artery.

Your inferior and superior epigastric arteries join together near your belly button.

Your inferior epigastric artery gives rise to several branches. These branches supply blood to muscles and tissues in your belly and pelvis. So, your inferior epigastric artery and its branches play an important role in supporting blood flow throughout your body.

What does the inferior epigastric artery do?

Like other arteries, your inferior epigastric artery carries oxygen-rich blood. This artery is part of a larger network of arteries in your belly and pelvis that supplies blood to the middle sections of your body. Your muscles and tissues need the oxygen and nutrients this blood provides.

Where is the inferior epigastric artery located?

Your inferior epigastric artery begins in your groin area. It curves upward toward your belly button.

Where does the inferior epigastric artery come from?

Your inferior epigastric artery branches from your external iliac artery. The branching-off point is just above and behind your inguinal ligament. Your inguinal ligament is a band in your groin that connects your oblique abdominal muscles to your pelvis.

Are there two inferior epigastric arteries?

Yes. You have an inferior epigastric artery on each side of your body (left and right). They branch from your left external iliac artery and right external iliac artery.

How big is the inferior epigastric artery?

The length of the inferior epigastric artery can vary widely from person to person. Plus, it may be longer on one side of your body compared with the other side. The length may vary from 3.5 centimeters to 7 centimeters.

What does the inferior epigastric artery supply?

Your inferior epigastric artery supplies blood to muscles and skin in your abdomen. It also supplies blood to parts of the male reproductive system.

What are the inferior epigastric artery branches?

Your inferior epigastric artery has many branches. These include:

• Anastomotic branches: Converge with several lower intercostal arteries, which run between your ribs.
• Cremasteric artery: Supplies blood to the testicles in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB).
• Cutaneous branches: Supplies blood to the skin along the front of your abs.
• Muscular branches: Supplies blood to different parts of your abdominal muscles. Also supply blood to the layer of your peritoneum that lines the inside of your abdomen and pelvis.
• Pubic branch: Runs behind your pubic bone until it converges with a branch of your obturator artery.

What conditions and disorders affect the inferior epigastric artery?

Injury to your inferior epigastric artery is a possible complication of some medical procedures. These include:

• Closure of abdominal incisions.
• Laparoscopic surgeries.
• Paracentesis (removal of excess fluid).
• Peritoneal dialysis catheter placement.
• Surgical drain insertion.

Complications can include bleeding and, rarely, a pseudoaneurysm. Your provider will take measures to avoid these complications. For example, they may use ultrasound imaging before your procedure to examine your anatomy. Doing so can lower the risk of complications for people who have anatomical variations, scars from prior surgeries or obesity.

How can I keep my inferior epigastric artery healthy?

Living a heart-healthy lifestyle can support the health of all your blood vessels. The flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout your body allows your organs and muscles to function at their best. Tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle include:

• Avoid smoking and all tobacco products.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar.
• Exercise regularly (aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week).
• Find ways to manage stress in your daily life.
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
• Manage risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
• Take your medications as prescribed.
• Visit your healthcare provider each year for a checkup. Keep all your follow-up appointments.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Your inferior epigastric artery is one part of the complex system of blood vessels that carries blood throughout your body. Every minute of every day, your arteries work hard to supply your body with oxygen and nutrients. You can help your arteries function at their best by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Talk with your healthcare provider about changes you can make in your daily life.