Vessel
Uterine artery
A variable pelvic artery ascending beside the uterus
High-yield
The usual crossing places the uterine artery above and anterior to the ureter near the cervix. This is a useful spatial relationship, not a fixed distance or an invariant arrangement.
Overview
The uterine artery approaches the cervix through lateral pelvic connective tissue and then ascends beside the uterine body. Descending branches serve the cervix and upper vagina, while superior branches connect with the ovarian circulation. Its origin and relationship to the ureter vary, despite a familiar textbook pattern.
Reference facts
- Origin
- It usually belongs to the anterior internal iliac system and may arise directly or share an origin with umbilical or other pelvic branches; the branching pattern is variable.
- Course
- From the lateral pelvis it travels medially toward the cervix, usually crossing above the ureter, then turns upward along the uterine side in a tortuous course.
- Branches
- Cervical and vaginal branches descend; ascending branches form myometrial arcuate vessels, which give radial branches and the endometrial straight and spiral arterial systems. Tubal and ovarian connections occur superiorly.
- Supplies
- Its distribution includes the uterus, cervix, upper vagina and medial tube, with connections to the ovarian vascular territory.
- Drains to
- Venous blood returns by separate uterine plexus channels, principally into the internal iliac veins.
Clinical correlation
The close ureteric relation explains why this region matters in hysterectomy and other pelvic operations. Uterine and ovarian arterial connections are also relevant to bleeding and embolization anatomy. Collateral channels can maintain flow, but their presence does not guarantee tissue perfusion after an intervention.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the uterine artery originate?
It usually belongs to the anterior internal iliac system and may arise directly or share an origin with umbilical or other pelvic branches; the branching pattern is variable.
What does the uterine artery supply?
Its distribution includes the uterus, cervix, upper vagina and medial tube, with connections to the ovarian vascular territory.
Where does the uterine artery drain to?
The uterine artery drains to the venous blood returns by separate uterine plexus channels, principally into the internal iliac veins.
What are the branches of the uterine artery?
Cervical and vaginal branches descend; ascending branches form myometrial arcuate vessels, which give radial branches and the endometrial straight and spiral arterial systems. Tubal and ovarian connections occur superiorly.