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Variability of the internal iliac artery: why is it unique in each individual?
The internal iliac artery, known since ancient times as the inferior iliac artery, is the main artery of the pelvis. It plays an important role in supplying blood to the pelvic wall, internal organs, buttocks, reproductive organs, and inner thighs. So why does this artery vary so dramatically in structure from person to person?
Structure
The internal iliac artery is approximately 3 to 4 cm long, which is smaller and shorter than the external iliac artery. This artery mainly supplies the bladder and its related organs. Its location and structure in the human body are crucial to understanding its function.
Paths and branches
The internal iliac artery arises from the bifurcation of the common iliac artery and extends inferiorly to the superior edge of the greater sciatic foramen, where it divides into two main trunks: anterior and posterior. In human anatomy, the position of the internal iliac artery relative to the ureter and internal iliac vein is very important.
Diversity of branches
The arrangement of the branches of the internal iliac artery is extremely variable. Typically, the artery is divided into two parts: anterior and posterior.
Posterior branches typically include the superior gluteal, ilioclavicular, and lateral sacral arteries, whereas additional branches may arise from the anterior aspect. In some cases, some arteries may not be direct branches, but may arise directly from related other arteries. This characteristic further complicates the anatomical variability of the internal iliac artery.
Anatomical variabilityThe study showed that in many cases, the length of the internal iliac artery varied significantly, with about two-thirds of the samples showing a length between 2.25 and 3.4 centimeters, while others were longer, with the maximum possible length being 2.5 to 3.6 centimeters. 7 cm, and the shortest can be 1 cm. These variabilities may be related to individual anatomy and known physiological factors.
In most cases, the length of the internal iliac artery is inversely proportional to the length of the common iliac artery: when the common iliac artery is shorter, the internal iliac artery tends to be longer, and vice versa.
The importance of fetal structure
In the fetal stage, the internal iliac artery is twice the size of the external iliac artery. After passing through the umbilical cord, it merges with the artery on the opposite side and enters the placenta. After birth, as placental blood flow ceases, portions of the internal iliac arteries remain and transform into the superior vesical arteries in adults. This process is essential for maintaining normal blood circulation.
Collateral circulation
When the internal iliac artery is ligated, blood circulation is maintained through various collateral circulations. These side branches include:
- Connection between the iliolumbar and last lumbar arteries
- Connection between the lateral and median sacral arteries
- Connection between the superior gluteal artery and the superficial longitudinal iliac artery
- The connection between the inferior gluteal artery and the deep femoral artery, etc.
The interconnectedness of these anatomical structures demonstrates the critical role of the internal iliac artery in the normal physiological function of the human body.
Conclusion
In summary, the variability of the internal iliac artery not only exists in its structure, but also affects other blood vessels connected to it, highlighting the diversity of human anatomy. The impact of these differences on clinical medicine and surgery cannot be underestimated, and further research on this arterial structure will help improve medical outcomes. What kind of evolutionary story is hidden behind the variability of these blood vessels?
