Which are branches of the internal iliac artery?

The internal iliac artery, also known as the hypogastric artery, is the main artery that supplies blood to the pelvic region. It has several branches, which can be divided into two main groups: anterior and posterior.

1. Anterior Branches:

   • Umbilical artery: Supplies blood to the medial umbilical ligament.
   • Obturator artery: Supplies blood to the pelvic muscles and the head of the femur.
   • Internal pudendal artery: Supplies blood to the perineum and external genitals.
   • Inferior vesical artery: Supplies blood to the lower part of the bladder (in males).
   • Uterine artery: Supplies blood to the uterus and the upper part of the vagina (in females).
   • Middle rectal artery: Supplies blood to the rectum.
   • Inferior gluteal artery: Supplies blood to the gluteal region.

2. Posterior Branches:

   • Iliolumbar artery: Supplies blood to the iliac and lumbar regions.
   • Lateral sacral arteries: Supply blood to the sacrum and coccyx.
   • Superior gluteal artery: Supplies blood to the gluteal region.

Please note that the exact branching pattern can vary between individuals.