Urethral artery

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.

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.

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.

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.

See also

• Internal pudendal artery
• Urethra
• Corpus spongiosum
• Ischemia
• Erectile dysfunction

References

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