Median sacral artery

Median sacral artery is a small artery in the human body that descends in front of the sacrum. It is the final unpaired branch of the abdominal aorta and is responsible for supplying blood to the sacrum and coccyx.

Anatomy

The Median sacral artery originates from the posterior surface of the abdominal aorta. It descends in the middle line in front of the sacrum, to the point of the coccyx. It is usually smaller than the lateral sacral arteries, and it is often replaced by a pair of arteries, one on either side of the middle line.

Function

The primary function of the median sacral artery is to supply blood to the sacrum and coccyx. It also gives off several small branches to the rectum and other structures in the pelvis.

Clinical significance

The median sacral artery is often used as a landmark in surgical procedures involving the sacrum or coccyx. It can also be involved in certain medical conditions, such as sacral insufficiency fractures and sacral decubitus ulcers.

See also

• Abdominal aorta
• Sacrum
• Coccyx
• Lateral sacral arteries

References

Median sacral artery Resources
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