internal iliac artery
Noun: * A major artery: The internal iliac artery is the primary artery supplying blood to the pelvis. It is the smaller, medial terminal branch of the common iliac artery, which bifurcates (splits) near the sacroiliac joint. It descends into the pelvis and divides into numerous branches to supply blood to the walls and viscera of the pelvic cavity, the gluteal (buttock) region, the medial thigh, and the external genitalia.
The term "internal iliac artery" is used in anatomical, medical, and surgical contexts to describe this specific blood vessel and its function. * The surgeon carefully ligated the internal iliac artery to control hemorrhage during the pelvic procedure. * A blockage in the internal iliac artery can lead to pain in the lower back, buttocks, or thighs. * The lecture focused on the branches and distribution of the internal iliac artery.
- Clinical Significance: The internal iliac artery and its branches are of critical importance in procedures such as pelvic surgery, obstetrics (e.g., to control postpartum hemorrhage), and interventional radiology (e.g., embolization).
- Anatomical Landmark: It serves as a key landmark for surgeons and radiologists navigating the pelvic vasculature.
- Hypogastric artery: This is a historical and sometimes synonymous term for the internal iliac artery, though in strict modern terminology, "internal iliac artery" is preferred.
- Common iliac artery: The parent artery from which the internal iliac artery originates.
- External iliac artery: The other, larger terminal branch of the common iliac artery, which continues into the lower limb to become the femoral artery.
- Internal iliac vein: The companion vein that drains blood from the same region supplied by the artery.
- Hypogastric artery (historical/alternate term)
The term "internal iliac artery" has a single, specific anatomical meaning. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses.
- the inner branch of the common iliac artery on either side of the body; divides into several branches that supply blood to the pelvic and gluteal areas