Vessel
Gonadal arteries
Long aortic vessels retained as the gonads descend
High-yield
The arteries cross anterior to the ureters. Testicular arteries continue toward the inguinal canals; ovarian arteries enter the suspensory ligaments of the ovaries.
Overview
Testicular and ovarian arteries usually arise below the renal arteries and descend through the retroperitoneum. Their long course reflects the developmental relocation of the gonads from the posterior abdominal wall.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Typically arise from the anterolateral abdominal aorta below the renal origins, often near L2.
- Course
- Descend anterior to psoas and cross the ureters; distal routes diverge toward the spermatic cord or ovarian suspensory ligament.
- Branches
- Give small ureteric branches; ovarian branches reach the tube and communicate with uterine arterial branches.
- Supplies
- Supply testes and epididymides, or ovaries and portions of the uterine tubes.
- Drains to
- Associated gonadal veins usually reach the IVC on the right and the left renal vein on the left.
Clinical correlation
Twisting of the spermatic cord can compromise testicular arterial inflow after venous obstruction develops. This is an anatomical explanation of torsion-related ischemia, rather than a consequence of arterial length alone.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the gonadal arteries originate?
Typically arise from the anterolateral abdominal aorta below the renal origins, often near L2.
What do the gonadal arteries supply?
Supply testes and epididymides, or ovaries and portions of the uterine tubes.
Where do the gonadal arteries drain to?
The gonadal arteries drain to the associated gonadal veins usually reach the IVC on the right and the left renal vein on the left.
What are the branches of the gonadal arteries?
Give small ureteric branches; ovarian branches reach the tube and communicate with uterine arterial branches.