Internal pudendal artery

Internal Pudendal Artery

The Internal Pudendal Artery is a significant artery in the human body. It is a branch of the internal iliac artery that provides blood supply to the pelvis and perineum.

Anatomy

The internal pudendal artery originates from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. It leaves the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle, and reenters through the lesser sciatic foramen. It then divides into several branches, including the inferior rectal artery, perineal artery, and dorsal artery of the penis or clitoris.

Function

The internal pudendal artery supplies blood to the external genitalia, the lower part of the rectum, and parts of the perineum. It also plays a crucial role in the erection process in males.

Clinical Significance

The internal pudendal artery can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, it can be affected by atherosclerosis, leading to erectile dysfunction in males. It can also be damaged during childbirth or pelvic surgery, leading to hemorrhage or ischemia.

See Also

• Arteries of the abdomen
• Arteries of the pelvis
• Arteries of the lower limb

References

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