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 arteryb:  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 arteryc:  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