Blood Vessels of the Anterior Abdominal Wall

• Arises from the internal thoracic artery , enters the rectus sheath, and descends on the posterior surface the rectus abdominis.
• Anastomoses with the inferior epigastric artery within the rectus abdominis

• Arises from the external iliac artery above the inguinal ligament, enters the rectus sheath, and ascends between the rectus abdominis and the posterior layer of the rectus sheath.
• Anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery, providing collateral circulation between the subclavian and external iliac arteries.
• Gives rise to the cremasteric artery , which accompanies the spermatic cord.

• Arises from the external iliac artery and runs laterally along the inguinal ligament and the iliac crest between the transverse and internal oblique muscles.
• Forms an ascending branch that anastomoses with the musculophrenic artery.

• Arise from the femoral artery and run superiorly toward the umbilicus over the inguinal ligament.
• Anastomose with branches of the inferior epigastric artery.

• Arises from the femoral artery and runs laterally upward, parallel to the inguinal ligament.
• Anastomoses with the deep circumflex iliac and lateral femoral circumflex arteries.

• Arise from the femoral artery, pierce the cribriform fascia, and run medially to supply the skin above

• Are longitudinal venous connections between the lateral thoracic vein and the superficial epigastric vein.
• Provide a collateral route for venous return if a caval or portal obstruction occurs.