middle rectal (hemorrhoidal) artery

Origin

internal iliac artery

Anastomoses

• superior rectal artery*
• inferior rectal artery

* The superior rectal artery is a tributary of the portal vein.

The middle & inferior rectal arteries drain into the inferior vena caval system. The anastomoses between the superior & middle or inferior rectal arteries form a portocaval anastomosis.

Distribution

middle part of rectum

More general terms

• artery