Perineal artery: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:47, 13 February 2025

Perineal Artery[edit]

Illustration of the perineal artery and surrounding structures.

The perineal artery is a significant blood vessel in the human body, primarily responsible for supplying blood to the perineal region. It is a branch of the internal pudendal artery, which itself is a branch of the internal iliac artery.

Anatomy[edit]

The perineal artery arises from the internal pudendal artery, which exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen. It then curves around the sacrospinous ligament and re-enters the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen. Once in the perineal region, the perineal artery branches off to supply various structures.

Branches[edit]

The perineal artery gives rise to several smaller branches, including:

Transverse perineal artery: Supplies the superficial transverse perineal muscle and the skin of the perineum.
Posterior scrotal (or labial) arteries: These branches supply the skin and fascia of the scrotum in males or the labia in females.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the perineal artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the perineal region, which includes the external genitalia and associated structures. This blood supply is crucial for maintaining the health and function of these tissues.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injuries or surgical procedures involving the perineal region may affect the perineal artery. Understanding its course and branches is essential for surgeons performing operations in this area to avoid inadvertent damage and ensure adequate blood supply is maintained.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Perineal artery''' is a branch of the [[internal pudendal artery]] that supplies blood to the [[perineum]]. The perineum is the area between the [[anus]] and the [[genitals]] in both males and females.
+== Perineal Artery ==
-== Anatomy ==
+[[File:Gray542.png|thumb|right|300px|Illustration of the perineal artery and surrounding structures.]]
-The perineal artery is a branch of the internal pudendal artery, which is itself a branch of the [[internal iliac artery]]. The internal pudendal artery gives off several branches, including the perineal artery, before it enters the [[pudendal canal]].
+The '''perineal artery''' is a significant blood vessel in the human body, primarily responsible for supplying blood to the perineal region. It is a branch of the [[internal pudendal artery]], which itself is a branch of the [[internal iliac artery]].
-The perineal artery travels through the perineum, supplying blood to the structures in this area. It gives off several branches, including the [[posterior scrotal arteries]] in males and the [[posterior labial arteries]] in females.
+=== Anatomy ===
-== Function ==
+The perineal artery arises from the internal pudendal artery, which exits the pelvis through the [[greater sciatic foramen]]. It then curves around the [[sacrospinous ligament]] and re-enters the pelvis through the [[lesser sciatic foramen]]. Once in the perineal region, the perineal artery branches off to supply various structures.
-The main function of the perineal artery is to supply blood to the perineum. This includes the skin and muscles in this area, as well as the external genitalia. In males, this includes the [[scrotum]] and the base of the [[penis]]. In females, this includes the [[labia]] and the lower part of the [[vagina]].
+=== Branches ===
-== Clinical significance ==
+The perineal artery gives rise to several smaller branches, including:
-Damage to the perineal artery can lead to a lack of blood supply to the perineum, which can cause tissue death and infection. This can occur as a result of trauma, surgery, or disease. Treatment typically involves restoring blood flow to the area, either through surgery or through the use of medications that improve blood flow.
+* '''Transverse perineal artery''': Supplies the superficial transverse perineal muscle and the skin of the perineum.
+* '''Posterior scrotal (or labial) arteries''': These branches supply the skin and fascia of the scrotum in males or the labia in females.
+=== Function ===
+The primary function of the perineal artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the perineal region, which includes the external genitalia and associated structures. This blood supply is crucial for maintaining the health and function of these tissues.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+Injuries or surgical procedures involving the perineal region may affect the perineal artery. Understanding its course and branches is essential for surgeons performing operations in this area to avoid inadvertent damage and ensure adequate blood supply is maintained.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Internal pudendal artery]]
+* [[Perineum]]
+* [[Scrotum]]
+* [[Labia]]
 [[Category:Arteries of the pelvis]]
-[[Category:Perineum]]
-{{stub}}