n :  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  .
 
 
 
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