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