Median sacral artery

The median sacral artery (or middle sacral artery, Latin: arteria sacralis mediana) is a small posterior branch of the abdominal aorta. It is a single branch that originates superior to the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta. The median sacral artery provides small branches that supply the posterior surface of the rectum.

The median sacral artery arises from the posterior aspect of the abdominal aorta and just above the bifurcation, then travels downward. First, the artery passes over the anterior surfaces of the lower lumbar vertebrae and then along the anterior surface of the sacrum and coccyx. On its course, it is accompanied by a pair of committing veins and is crossed by the left common iliac vein.