Anatomy
Course
One of the terminal branches of the inferior mesenteric artery. It descends in the sigmoid mesocolon and crosses over the left internal iliac artery. It divides at the vertebral level of SIII, and continues to descend by the rectum where it anastomoses with the middle and inferior rectal arteries.
Supply
Supplies the rectum.
Clinical
The corresponding vein of the superior rectal artery is a common site of hemorrhoids, due to it being a point where the systemic and portal circulation meet.
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