Blood Vessels and Lymphatics of the Pelvis

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the blood vessels and lymphatic drainage of the pelvis.

Internal iliac artery

Begins in front of the sacroiliac joint as the smaller terminal branch of the common iliac artery, passing downwards and backwards along the lateral wall of the pelvis.

Anterior division of internal iliac artery

Branches that include visceral and parietal branches, supplying various pelvic structures.

Posterior division of internal iliac artery

All branches are parietal; includes the iliolumbar artery, lateral sacral arteries, and superior gluteal artery.

Inferior gluteal artery

Larger terminal branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery, supplying the piriformis and levator ani muscles.

Obturator artery

Branch of the anterior division supplying the medial compartment of the thigh.

Common iliac vein

Begins at the upper part of the greater sciatic foramen, uniting the internal and external iliac veins.

Tributaries of common iliac vein

Includes gluteal veins, internal pudendal vein, and other pelvic veins, excluding the iliolumbar vein.

Vesical veins

Drain from the urinary bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles.

Uterine artery

Branch supplying the uterus, uterine tube, and vagina.

Median sacral artery

Arises from the back of the aorta, ending in front of the coccyx and supplying the anorectal region.

Internal iliac lymph nodes

Drain pelvic viscera and parts of the perineum.

Superior vesical artery

Supplies superior surface of the urinary bladder and distal ureter.

Lymphatic drainage

Processes of lymph nodes draining pelvic regions, including internal and external iliac nodes.

Inferior rectal artery

Arises in the pudendal canal and supplies the anal canal.

Perineal artery

Arises in the anterior end of the pudendal canal, supplying perineal structures.

Dorsal artery of the penis/clitoris

Terminal branch supplying the dorsal surface of the penis in males or clitoris in females.