Superior vesical artery

Superior vesical artery

The superior vesical artery supplies blood to the upper part of the bladder. (Image from Gray's Anatomy)

The Superior vesical artery is an artery in the pelvis that supplies blood to the upper part of the urinary bladder and the distal ureter. It is a branch of the internal iliac artery.

Structure

The superior vesical artery usually arises from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery, but it can also arise from the umbilical artery. It travels towards the urinary bladder, giving off several branches along its course. These branches supply the upper part of the bladder and the distal ureter.

Function

The superior vesical artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the upper part of the urinary bladder and the distal ureter. It ensures the proper functioning of these organs by providing them with the necessary nutrients and oxygen.

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the superior vesical artery is important in surgical procedures involving the pelvis, such as cystectomy and radical prostatectomy. Damage to this artery during surgery can lead to significant blood loss and complications.

See also

• Inferior vesical artery
• Middle vesical artery
• Umbilical artery

External links

• Superior vesical artery at AnatomyExpert.com
• Superior vesical artery at University of Washington Department of Radiology