From the Guidelines
The internal iliac artery (IIA) divides into anterior and posterior divisions, each with several branches that supply the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and medial thigh. The anterior division includes the umbilical artery (giving rise to the superior vesical arteries), obturator artery, inferior vesical artery, middle rectal artery, internal pudendal artery, and inferior gluteal artery. In females, the anterior division also includes the uterine and vaginal arteries. The posterior division consists of the iliolumbar artery, lateral sacral arteries, and superior gluteal artery. These branches are crucial for blood supply to the pelvic viscera, pelvic walls, perineum, and gluteal region. The arrangement of these vessels is important clinically for procedures like pelvic surgeries, embolization treatments for hemorrhage, and understanding collateral circulation in cases of vascular occlusion. Variations in the branching pattern are common, with some branches occasionally arising directly from the internal iliac trunk rather than from the anterior or posterior divisions 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The internal iliac artery supplies blood to the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and medial thigh.
- The anterior division of the internal iliac artery includes several branches, including the umbilical artery, obturator artery, and internal pudendal artery.
- The posterior division of the internal iliac artery includes branches such as the iliolumbar artery and lateral sacral arteries.
- Understanding the anatomy of the internal iliac artery is important for procedures like pelvic surgeries and embolization treatments for hemorrhage.
- Variations in the branching pattern of the internal iliac artery are common, and some branches may arise directly from the internal iliac trunk rather than from the anterior or posterior divisions.
It's worth noting that while the evidence provided does not directly address the question of the branches of the internal iliac artery, the most recent and highest quality study 1 provides information on the anatomy of the internal iliac artery and its divisions.
From the Research
Branches of the Internal Iliac Artery
The internal iliac artery (IIA) has several branches that supply various regions of the body, including:
- The pelvic viscera
- The musculoskeletal part of the pelvis
- The gluteal region
- The medial thigh region
- The perineum
Specific Branches
Some of the specific branches of the IIA include:
- Middle rectal artery
- Inferior vesicle artery
- Superior vesicle artery
- Lateral sacral artery
- Superior gluteal artery
- Internal pudendal artery
- Inferior gluteal artery
- Muscular branches 2
Variations in Branching Pattern
There can be variations in the course and branching pattern of the IIA, including the formation of common trunks and unusual branches, such as an unnamed artery and a stellate branching pattern deep to the gluteus maximus muscle 2