Artery Iliac Internal

The internal iliac artery (lat. arteria iliaca interna) is a paired pelvic artery that arises from the common iliac artery.

The internal iliac artery passes along the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity, heading downward and anteriorly. It supplies blood to the pelvic organs - the bladder, rectum, uterus and vagina in women, the prostate gland and seminal vesicles in men.

The following branches depart from the internal iliac artery:

1. The obturator artery supplies blood to the pelvic floor muscles.

2. The superior vesical artery supplies blood to the bladder.

3. Uterine artery - supplies blood to the uterus.

4. Vaginal artery - supplies blood to the vagina.

5. Urethral artery - supplies blood to the urethra.

6. The superior hemorrhoidal artery supplies blood to the rectum.

7. The middle hemorrhoidal artery supplies blood to the rectum.

Thus, the internal iliac artery plays an important role in the blood supply to the pelvic organs.