Vaginal artery
Vaginal artery
The vaginal artery (pronunciation: /væˈdʒaɪnəl ˈɑːrtəri/) is a branch of the internal iliac artery that supplies blood to the vagina and the base of the uterus.
Etymology
The term "vaginal artery" is derived from the Latin word "vagina", meaning "sheath", and the Greek word "arteria", meaning "windpipe, artery". This is due to the artery's function of supplying blood to the vagina, which is a sheath-like structure in the female reproductive system.
Anatomy
The vaginal artery usually arises from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. However, it can also arise from the uterine artery or the middle rectal artery. It descends in the broad ligament and passes through the base of the bladder to reach the vagina.
Function
The primary function of the vaginal artery is to supply blood to the vagina and the base of the uterus. It also provides blood supply to the lower part of the ureter and the upper part of the urethra.
Related Terms
- Internal iliac artery: The main artery that gives rise to the vaginal artery.
- Uterine artery: An artery that can sometimes give rise to the vaginal artery.
- Middle rectal artery: Another artery that can sometimes give rise to the vaginal artery.
- Ureter: A structure that receives blood supply from the vaginal artery.
- Urethra: Another structure that receives blood supply from the vaginal artery.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vaginal artery
- Wikipedia's article - Vaginal artery
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