Lower rectal artery

The superior rectal artery, the semilunar artery, and the inferior artery are all names for the same artery that supplies blood to the anus and rectum. It belongs to the group of external pudendal arteries, and is a branch of the internal iliac arteries.

The superior rectal artery (a. pubica interna sup.) is usually called the superior gluteal artery. It carries the blood-rich back of the gluteus maximus muscle, located between the lower back muscles. It does not take part in the blood supply to the rectum and anus. The semilunar artery joins the inferior rectal artery just above the anus. This artery runs deep into the subcutaneous tissue and supplies the wall of the anus, the head of the male penis and the bulb of the penis. The area of ​​the rectum that touches the semilunar artery is called the prostate gland, so men who do Kegel exercises, which strengthen the muscles of the perineum, can help reduce the size of the prostate gland since this area is well supplied with blood.

Sometimes semi