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xplore the mysterious path of the internal iliac artery and learn why it is so important in supplying blood to the pelvis, buttocks, and genitals
The internal iliac artery, formerly called the hypogastric artery, is the main artery in the pelvis and is vital in providing blood to the pelvis, buttocks, and genitals. The structure, path, and branches of this artery all play an important role in human anatomy, so understanding its workings is of interest to both medical professionals and general readers.
Structure
The internal iliac arteries supply the pelvic wall and internal organs, buttocks, and the inner part of the thigh. The blood supply to the bladder comes mainly from the bladder branches of the internal iliac arteries. This is a short, thick blood vessel, usually about 3 to 4 centimeters long, smaller than the external iliac artery. This unique structure enables it to efficiently supply local blood supply.
Path
The internal iliac artery arises from the bifurcation of the common iliac artery, opposite the lumbosacral joint. It extends inferiorly to the superior edge of the greater sciatic notch, where it divides into two main trunks: the anterior and posterior branches. This artery lies behind the ureter, in front of the internal iliac vein, and in front of the iliac bone. Its course is complex and involves multiple anatomical structures.
The precise branching course of the internal iliac arteries is highly variable, and crossover with other arteries is frequently observed among subjects.
Branches
The branches of the internal iliac artery are usually divided into anterior and posterior parts. The posterior trunk gives rise to the superior gluteal, iliac lumbar, and lateral sacral arteries, while the remaining branches arise primarily from the anterior trunk. Because of these variations in branching, some arteries may not be direct branches, but instead may arise from the main branches.
Blood flow restoration and its importance
In some clinical situations, such as arterial occlusion or surgical settings, the restoration of collateral blood flow in the internal iliac arteries can be particularly important. These include: connections between the iliac lumbar arteries (arising from the posterior portion of the internal iliac arteries) and the last lumbar arteries (arising from the aorta) and the lateral sacral arteries. These collateral arteries can provide the necessary blood supply when the internal iliac artery is blocked.
The presence of these side branches not only demonstrates the body's ability to adapt, but also shows the history and development of the vascular network.
Fetal structure
During the fetal period, the internal iliac arteries are twice the size of the external iliac arteries and are the direct continuation of the common iliac artery. It rises laterally to the bladder and then runs up the front wall of the abdomen to the umbilicus. At birth, cessation of umbilical circulation leaves only the Pelvic portion of the umbilical artery patent, which becomes the superior vesical artery in the adult, while the remainder evolves into the median ligament (the inferior vesical artery is neglected).
Variability
The length of the internal iliac artery varies between the two, usually between 2.25 and 3.4 centimeters. In the remaining third, the arteries were more often longer, ranging from 7 cm in length to 1 cm in length. This variability has its importance in practical anatomy.
ConclusionThese variations not only exist between men and women, but also vary significantly between individuals, giving the medical community a deeper understanding of their importance.
The internal iliac artery's structure, course, and diverse branching determine its absolute importance in supplying blood to the reproductive and pelvic regions. From a medical perspective, research on this artery can not only deepen our understanding of human anatomy, but also improve the safety and effectiveness of surgical operations. Knowledge of the internal iliac artery and its side branches can also enable doctors to respond more quickly in medical emergency situations. The human vascular system is so complex that we can't help but wonder what other mysteries are hidden in other structures inside the body?
