Vessel
Internal iliac artery
Main artery of the pelvis
High-yield
Chief blood supply to the pelvic organs, perineum, and gluteal region; gives the superior and inferior gluteal and internal pudendal arteries.
Overview
The medial terminal branch of the common iliac artery, supplying the pelvic viscera, walls, perineum, and gluteal region through anterior and posterior divisions.
Reference facts
- Type
- Muscular artery
- Origin
- Common iliac artery
- Branches / tributaries
- Superior and inferior gluteal; Internal pudendal; Obturator; Uterine/vaginal or inferior vesical; Middle rectal arteries
- Supplies
- Pelvic viscera, pelvic walls, perineum, and gluteal region
- Course
- Descends into the pelvis from the common iliac bifurcation and divides into anterior and posterior divisions
Frequently asked questions
Where does the internal iliac artery originate?
The internal iliac artery arises from the common iliac artery.
What does the internal iliac artery supply?
The internal iliac artery supplies the pelvic viscera, pelvic walls, perineum, and gluteal region.
What are the branches of the internal iliac artery?
Branches of the internal iliac artery include the superior and inferior gluteal; Internal pudendal; Obturator; Uterine/vaginal or inferior vesical; Middle rectal arteries.
What is the course of the internal iliac artery?
Descends into the pelvis from the common iliac bifurcation and divides into anterior and posterior divisions.