SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 4
Anatomy → Blood vessels and nerves
Classification
Question
SSBAB) Superficial epigastric artery
C) Inferior epigastric artery
D) Superficial circumflex iliac artery
E) Superficial external pudendal artery
Options
Explanation
The inferior epigastric artery arises from the external iliac artery. It ascends along the medial margin of the deep inguinal ring, pierces the fascia transversalis and enters the rectus sheath anterior to the arcuate line. It subsequently anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery. Insertion of laparoscopic ports or abdominal drains in this region can disrupt the inferior epigastric artery and produce a haematoma. The superior epigastric artery enters the rectus sheath from above, whereas the superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac and superficial external pudendal arteries are superficial branches associated with the femoral artery.
Option Validity
A) The superior epigastric artery enters the rectus sheath from the superior abdominal wall and does not follow the described course.
B) The superficial epigastric artery is a superficial femoral branch and does not pierce fascia transversalis to enter the rectus sheath.
D) The superficial circumflex iliac artery contributes to superficial abdominal-wall supply rather than following this deep course.
E) The superficial external pudendal artery is another superficial femoral branch and does not enter the rectus sheath anterior to the arcuate line.
Further Reading
Part 1 MRCOG Revision Notes and Sample SBAs. Cambridge University Press, 2020. Section 1: Anatomy, Chapter 1. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108644396