Superior rectal artery

Looks like

The continuation of the inferior mesenteric artery down into the pelvis behind the rectum.

What it does

Supplies the upper rectum and the inner lining down to the anal cushions.

Keeping it well

Divided in rectal cancer surgery; its branches can be blocked to treat bleeding piles.

Related conditions

• Aortic aneurysm
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hypothermia & frostbite
• Ischaemic colitis
• Kawasaki disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Orthostatic hypotension & POTS
• Peripheral artery disease
• Phaeochromocytoma & hyperaldosteronism
• Pre-eclampsia
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Sepsis
• Shock (circulatory failure)
• Vasculitis (GCA & others)