Internal iliac artery

Arteria iliaca interna

CardiovascularBlood vesselsPelvisLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is

Descends into the pelvis over the pelvic brim and divides at the upper edge of the greater sciatic notch into a posterior division (superior gluteal, iliolumbar and lateral sacral arteries) and an anterior division (to the bladder, rectum, genitals, uterus and buttock).

Function

Supplies the pelvic organs, perineum, buttocks and medial thigh.

Size

~4 cm long, ~7 mm diameter.

Clinical note

Its uterine branch crosses above the ureter ("water under the bridge"), a key landmark during hysterectomy.