Vessels and nerves of the abdominal wall

Question 1

What are the 2 major arterial supplies to the abdominal wall?

Answer 1

SEGMENTAL ARTERIES(run int the axial plane):

• Intercostals 7-11
• subcostal artery
• lumbar arteries

LONGITUDINAL ARTERIES:

• Superior epigastric (descends from the internal thoracic artery and connects with the ascending artery in the region of the umbilicus)
• Inferior epigastric artery (which arises from the external iliac artery )

Question 2

Where do the 2 longitudinal arteries anastomose(connect)?

Answer 2

region of the umbilicus to form a possible anterior bypass tot he AORTA

Question 3

What are the veins of the abdominal wall?

Answer 3

SEGMENTAL VEINS:

• subcostal vein
• 1st and 2nd lumbar veins join to form the ascending lumbar vein on either side
• 3rd and 4th lumbar veins drain directly into the inferior vena cava

ANTERIOR LONGITUDINAL VEINS:

• superiopr tot he ubilicas the SUPERIOR EPIGASTRIC VEINS drain into the internal thoracic
• inferior to the umbilicas the INFERIOR EPIGASTRIC VEINS drain into the external Iliac