Perineal artery

Illustration of the perineal artery and surrounding structures.

The perineal artery is a significant blood vessel in the human body, primarily responsible for supplying blood to the perineal region. It is a branch of the internal pudendal artery, which itself is a branch of the internal iliac artery.

Anatomy

The perineal artery arises from the internal pudendal artery, which exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen. It then curves around the sacrospinous ligament and re-enters the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen. Once in the perineal region, the perineal artery branches off to supply various structures.

Branches

The perineal artery gives rise to several smaller branches, including:

• Transverse perineal artery: Supplies the superficial transverse perineal muscle and the skin of the perineum.
• Posterior scrotal (or labial) arteries: These branches supply the skin and fascia of the scrotum in males or the labia in females.

Function

The primary function of the perineal artery is to provide oxygenated blood to the perineal region, which includes the external genitalia and associated structures. This blood supply is crucial for maintaining the health and function of these tissues.

Clinical Significance

Injuries or surgical procedures involving the perineal region may affect the perineal artery. Understanding its course and branches is essential for surgeons performing operations in this area to avoid inadvertent damage and ensure adequate blood supply is maintained.

Related Pages

• Internal pudendal artery
• Perineum
• Scrotum
• Labia