rectal artery

noun

: any of three arteries supplying especially the rectum:
a
: one arising from the internal pudendal artery and supplying the lower part of the rectum and the perineal region

called also inferior hemorrhoidal artery, inferior rectal artery

b
: one arising from the internal iliac artery and supplying the middle part of the rectum

called also middle hemorrhoidal artery, middle rectal artery

c
: one that is a continuation of the inferior mesenteric artery and that supplies the upper part of the rectum

called also superior hemorrhoidal artery, superior rectal artery

Dictionary Entries Near rectal artery

Cite this Entry

“Rectal artery.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/rectal%20artery. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!