CoursesAnatomyPelvis and perineumNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvisBlood supply of the female pelvis

CoursesAnatomyPelvis and perineumNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvisBlood supply of the female pelvis

Blood supply of the female pelvis

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Identify the vascular structures involved in the blood supply of the female pelvis.
Describe the arterial supply of the female pelvis.
Describe the venous drainage of the female pelvis.

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The female pelvis receives the majority of its arterial supply from the external and internal iliac arteries, both of which originate from the common iliac artery. The external iliac artery travels through the pelvis and continues as the femoral artery to supply the lower limb. The internal iliac artery can be divided into an anterior and a posterior division and supplies the pelvic walls and organs as well as parts of the buttocks and thigh.

A notable exception are the ovaries (as well as parts of the uterine tube/uterus) which are supplied by the ovarian artery that arises directly from the abdominal aorta and the rectum which is largely supplied by the superior [ano]rectal branch of the inferior mesenteric artery.

For the most part, the venous drainage of the female pelvis follows a course similar to that of its arterial counterparts.

Watch our video for an introduction into the arteries and veins of the female pelvis!

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Summary

Key points about the blood supply of the female pelvis
Internal iliac artery	Supply area: Pelvic wall and organs, gluteal region and medial compartment of thigh (except for superior part of rectum - supplied via superior [ano]rectal branch of inferior mesenteric artery Branches: - Posterior division: Iliolumbar, superior gluteal, lateral sacral arteries - Anterior division: Uterine, obturator, umbilical, vaginal, superior vesical, internal pudendal, middle anorectal and inferior gluteal arteries
External iliac artery	Supply area: Lower limb, muscles and skin of the lower abdominal wall Branches: Inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac arteries
Other arteries	Superior anorectal artery (from inferior mesenteric artery), ovarian artery (from abdominal aorta)
Veins	Most veins drain to: Internal iliac vein → inferior vena cava Exceptions: Superior anorectal vein → inferior mesenteric vein Right/left ovarian veins → inferior vena cava/left renal vein

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