epigastric artery

noun

: any of the three arteries supplying the anterior walls of the abdomen:

a

: one that is a direct downward continuation of the internal mammary artery

called also superior epigastric artery

b

: one that arises from the external iliac artery near the inguinal ligament and ascends along the inner margin of the internal abdominal ring

called also deep epigastric artery, inferior epigastric artery

c

: one that arises from the femoral artery, passes through the saphenous opening in the fascia lata, and then ascends upon the lower part of the abdomen

called also superficial epigastric artery