Uterine artery

The uterine artery is an artery that supplies blood to the uterus in females.

Uterine artery
Arteries of the female reproductive tract: uterine artery, ovarian artery and vaginal arteries. (Uterine artery labeled at center.)
Vessels of the uterus and its appendages, rear view. (Uterine artery labeled at center right.)
Details
Sourceinternal iliac artery (i.e. hypogastric artery)
Veinuterine veins
Suppliesround ligament of the uterus, ovary, uterus, vagina, uterine tube
Identifiers
Latinarteria uterina
MeSHD055988
TAA12.2.15.029F
FMA18829
Anatomical terminology

Structure

The uterine artery usually arises from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. It travels to the uterus, crossing the ureter anteriorly, to the uterus by traveling in the cardinal ligament.[1]

Uterine artery

It travels through the parametrium of the inferior broad ligament of the uterus.

It commonly anastomoses (connects with) the ovarian artery.

The uterine artery is the major blood supply to the uterus and enlarges significantly during pregnancy.

Branches and organs supplied

Additional images

See also
  • Anatomy photo:43:13-0204 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "The Female Pelvis: Branches of Internal Iliac Artery"
  • pelvis at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (uterus)

References
  1. Pelage, J. P.; Walker, W. J.; Dref, O. Le; Rymer, R. (2003-06-01). "Ovarian Artery: Angiographic Appearance, Embolization and Relevance to Uterine Fibroid Embolization". CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology. 26 (3): 227–233. doi:10.1007/s00270-002-1875-3. ISSN 0174-1551.
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