Urethral artery: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:01, 9 February 2025

Urethral Artery

The urethral artery is a blood vessel that supplies blood to the urethra, which is part of the urinary system in both males and females. It plays a crucial role in providing the necessary nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the urethra.

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.

In males, the urethral artery supplies the penile urethra, which is the portion of the urethra that runs through the penis. In females, it supplies the urethra that is located anterior to the vagina.

Function

The primary function of the urethral artery is to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues of the urethra. This is essential for maintaining the health and function of the urethral tissues, which are involved in the excretion of urine from the body.

Clinical Significance

Damage or obstruction of the urethral artery can lead to inadequate blood supply to the urethra, potentially resulting in tissue damage or dysfunction. Conditions such as atherosclerosis can affect the blood flow through the urethral artery, leading to complications.

Related Pages

References

Diagram showing the branches of the internal iliac artery, including the internal pudendal artery and its branches.

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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.
+== Urethral Artery ==
+The '''urethral artery''' is a blood vessel that supplies blood to the [[urethra]], which is part of the [[urinary system]] in both males and females. It plays a crucial role in providing the necessary nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the urethra.
 == Anatomy ==
-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.
+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 [[penile urethra]], which is the portion of the urethra that runs through the [[penis]]. In females, it supplies the urethra that is located anterior to the [[vagina]].
 == Function ==
-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]].
+The primary function of the urethral artery is to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues of the urethra. This is essential for maintaining the health and function of the urethral tissues, which are involved in the excretion of urine from the body.
-== Clinical significance ==
+== Clinical Significance ==
-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.
+Damage or obstruction of the urethral artery can lead to inadequate blood supply to the urethra, potentially resulting in tissue damage or dysfunction. Conditions such as [[atherosclerosis]] can affect the blood flow through the urethral artery, leading to complications.
-== See also ==
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Urethra]]
 * [[Internal pudendal artery]]
-* [[Urethra]]
+* [[Urinary system]]
-* [[Corpus spongiosum]]
-* [[Ischemia]]
-* [[Erectile dysfunction]]
 == References ==
-<references />
+{{Reflist}}
+[[File:Gray1158.png|thumb|right|Diagram showing the branches of the internal iliac artery, including the internal pudendal artery and its branches.]]
-[[Category:Arteries]]
+[[Category:Arteries of the abdomen]]
-[[Category:Urology]]
+[[Category:Urinary system]]
-{{stub}}