Internal pudendal artery

Internal pudendal artery

The Internal pudendal artery (IPA: /ɪnˈtɜːrnəl pjuːˈdɛndəl ˈɑːrtəri/) is a significant artery in the pelvis. It is a branch of the internal iliac artery and supplies blood to the perineum and external genitals.

Etymology

The term "pudendal" comes from the Latin word "pudendum," which means "parts to be ashamed of." This term was historically used in anatomy to refer to the external genital organs.

Structure

The internal pudendal artery originates from the internal iliac artery. It leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle, and then reenters through the lesser sciatic foramen. It is accompanied by the internal pudendal vein and the pudendal nerve.

Branches

The internal pudendal artery gives off several branches, including the inferior rectal artery, perineal artery, and dorsal artery of the penis or dorsal artery of the clitoris.

Clinical significance

The internal pudendal artery is of clinical importance in procedures such as angiography and embolization. It is also significant in the understanding of conditions like erectile dysfunction and perineal trauma.

Related terms

• Pudendal nerve
• Pudendal canal
• Pudendal block

See also

• List of arteries of the human body
• Anatomy of the human body

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Internal pudendal artery
• Wikipedia's article - Internal pudendal artery

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