Vessels of the Pelvis

Question 1

What major vessel acts as the trunk for origin of all the various vessels that supply the organs of the pelvis?

Answer 1

The anterior trunk internal iliac artery.

Question 2

What are parietal branches from this anterior trunk?

Answer 2

Obturator (iliacus), internal pudendal (perineum), and inferior gluteal (lower limb).

Question 3

What are the visceral branches from this anterior trunk?

Answer 3

Superior vesical aa., inferior vesical a., and middle rectal a.

Question 4

Name any extra visceral branches from this trunk a female might have.

Answer 4

The vaginal and uterine aa.

Question 5

Name the branches from the posterior trunk.

Answer 5

The iliolumbar, lateral sacral and superior gluteal aa.

Question 6

Be able to label a diagram of the typical arrangement of these vessels.

Answer 6

This diagram (page 2406 is important for both written and practical exams…..

Question 7

Cite an important clinical correlation the veins of the pelvis have and their role in
spreading carcinoma - particularly of the prostate.

Answer 7

They communicate (without valves) with the internal and external vertebral plexuses. Carcinoma of the prostate spreads initially to the vertebral column (bone metastases).

Question 8

How does the internal ilac artery terminate?

Answer 8

inferior gluteal a & internal pudendal a