Middle rectal artery

, showing branches, including middle rectal artery The middle rectal artery usually arises from the internal iliac artery. It is distributed to the rectum above the pectinate line. It anastomoses with the inferior vesical artery, superior rectal artery, and inferior rectal artery. In males, the middle rectal artery may give off branches to the prostate and the seminal vesicles. In females, the middle rectal artery gives off branches to the vagina. == Function ==

The middle rectal artery supplies the rectum == Pathology ==

The middle rectal artery may be embolized to treat patients with symptomatic internal hemorrhoids in a procedure called hemorrhoidal artery embolization. ==Additional images==

File:Gray538.png|Sigmoid colon and rectum, showing distribution of branches of inferior mesenteric artery and their anastomoses. File:Middle rectal artery.jpg|Middle rectal artery ==See also==