Atlas of Human Anatomy by Netter

GUIDE

Pelvis and Perineum: Vasculature

Pelvic Vasculature

[Plate 383, Arteries and Veins of Pelvis: Male]

Arterial supply to the pelvis

Four arteries supply the true or lesser pelvis and its contents

Paired internal iliac arteries

Paired ovarian arteries

Medial sacral artery

Superior rectal artery

Main arterial supply is from branches internal iliac artery

Medial sacral artery from abdominal aorta supplies lower lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx

Superior rectal artery (branch inferior mesenteric artery) supplies upper region of rectum

Ovarian arteries (from abdominal aorta) supply the ovaries, descending in the suspensory ligament of the ovary

Internal iliac artery

One of two terminal branch common iliac arteries (other is external iliac)

Common iliac bifurcates anterior to sacroiliac joint

Internal iliac artery is crossed by ureter at its origin

Passes posteromedially into the true pelvis beneath the peritoneum, giving off branches to the buttocks, thigh, perineum, and pelvic

viscera. Usually ends at the level of the superior edge of the greater sciatic foramen by dividing into anterior and posterior divisions

Branches of Internal Iliac Artery and Structures Supplied

Visceral VesselsStructures Supplied Comment

Umbilical artery Superior urinary bladder via

superior vesical

Artery to ductus deferens in males

From anterior division of internal iliac

Obliterates and becomes median umbilical ligament

Superior vesical

artery

Superior urinary bladder

Ureter in pelvis

From proximal part of umbilical

Branch given to ductus deferens