Medical Definition of epigastric artery
: any of the three arteries supplying the anterior walls of the abdomen:
a : one that is a direct downward continuation of the internal mammary artery
— called also superior epigastric artery
b : one that arises from the external iliac artery near the inguinal ligament and ascends along the inner margin of the internal abdominal ring
— called also deep epigastric artery, inferior epigastric artery
c : one that arises from the femoral artery, passes through the saphenous opening in the fascia lata, and then ascends upon the lower part of the abdomen
— called also superficial epigastric artery
Comments on epigastric artery
What made you want to look up epigastric artery? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quiz - Word Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share epigastric artery