Urethral artery: Difference between revisions

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'''Urethral artery''' is a branch of the [[internal pudendal artery]] that supplies blood to the [[urethra]] and surrounding tissues. The term "urethral artery" is derived from the Latin "urethra", meaning "pipe" or "tube", and the Greek "arteria", meaning "windpipe", which was later used to refer to the vessels that carry blood from the heart.
{{Short description|An article about the urethral artery, its anatomy, and function}}


== Anatomy ==
==Urethral Artery==
The '''urethral artery''' is a small but significant blood vessel that supplies blood to the [[urethra]], an essential part of the [[urinary system]]. This artery plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the urethra by providing it with necessary nutrients and oxygen.


The urethral artery originates from the [[internal pudendal artery]], which is a branch of the [[internal iliac artery]]. It travels through the [[perineum]], supplying blood to the [[urethra]] and surrounding tissues. In males, it also supplies blood to the [[corpus spongiosum]], a part of the penis.
[[File:Gray1158.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing the arteries of the male pelvis, including the urethral artery.]]


== Function ==
===Anatomy===
The urethral artery is a branch of the [[internal pudendal artery]], which itself is a branch of the [[internal iliac artery]]. The internal pudendal artery is responsible for supplying blood to the external genitalia and perineum. The urethral artery specifically branches off to supply the urethra.


The primary function of the urethral artery is to supply blood to the [[urethra]] and surrounding tissues. This ensures that these tissues receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients to function properly. In males, the urethral artery also plays a crucial role in erectile function by supplying blood to the [[corpus spongiosum]].
In males, the urethral artery supplies the [[prostatic urethra]] and the [[penile urethra]]. In females, it supplies the [[urethra]] as it passes through the [[pelvic floor]].


== Clinical significance ==
===Function===
The primary function of the urethral artery is to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues of the urethra. This is vital for the maintenance of healthy tissue and for the proper functioning of the urethra in both the urinary and reproductive systems.


Damage or blockage of the urethral artery can lead to serious medical conditions. For example, a blockage (or [[arterial occlusion]]) can cause [[ischemia]], a condition characterized by an insufficient supply of blood to tissues, potentially leading to tissue damage or death. In males, damage to the urethral artery can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
===Clinical Significance===
 
Damage or obstruction of the urethral artery can lead to complications such as [[ischemia]] of the urethral tissues, which may result in [[urethral stricture]] or other urinary complications. Understanding the anatomy of the urethral artery is important in surgical procedures involving the pelvis and perineum to avoid inadvertent damage.
== See also ==


==Related Pages==
* [[Urethra]]
* [[Internal pudendal artery]]
* [[Internal pudendal artery]]
* [[Urethra]]
* [[Internal iliac artery]]
* [[Corpus spongiosum]]
* [[Urinary system]]
* [[Ischemia]]
* [[Erectile dysfunction]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />


[[Category:Arteries]]
[[Category:Arteries of the abdomen]]
[[Category:Urology]]
[[Category:Urinary system]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:52, 13 February 2025

An article about the urethral artery, its anatomy, and function


Urethral Artery[edit]

The urethral artery is a small but significant blood vessel that supplies blood to the urethra, an essential part of the urinary system. This artery plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the urethra by providing it with necessary nutrients and oxygen.

Diagram showing the arteries of the male pelvis, including the urethral artery.

Anatomy[edit]

The urethral artery is a branch of the internal pudendal artery, which itself is a branch of the internal iliac artery. The internal pudendal artery is responsible for supplying blood to the external genitalia and perineum. The urethral artery specifically branches off to supply the urethra.

In males, the urethral artery supplies the prostatic urethra and the penile urethra. In females, it supplies the urethra as it passes through the pelvic floor.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the urethral artery is to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues of the urethra. This is vital for the maintenance of healthy tissue and for the proper functioning of the urethra in both the urinary and reproductive systems.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Damage or obstruction of the urethral artery can lead to complications such as ischemia of the urethral tissues, which may result in urethral stricture or other urinary complications. Understanding the anatomy of the urethral artery is important in surgical procedures involving the pelvis and perineum to avoid inadvertent damage.

Related Pages[edit]