Urethral artery

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

• Urethra
• Internal pudendal artery
• Urinary system

References

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