Obturator artery

Obturator Artery

The Obturator Artery and its branches (shown in red).

The Obturator Artery is a branch of the Internal Iliac Artery that plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the pelvic muscles and hip joint. It is a significant artery in the pelvis and lower limb.

Origin and Course

The Obturator Artery originates from the anterior division of the Internal Iliac Artery. It descends in the lateral wall of the pelvis, crosses the Obturator Foramen, and divides into anterior and posterior branches.

Branches and Supply

The Obturator Artery gives off several branches, including the Pubic Branch and Acetabular Branch. It supplies blood to the muscles of the medial compartment of the thigh, the Adductor Muscles, and the hip joint.

Clinical Significance

Knowledge of the Obturator Artery is essential in surgical procedures involving the pelvis and lower limb, such as hip replacement and pelvic fracture repair. Anomalies in the Obturator Artery can lead to complications in these procedures.

See Also

• Internal Iliac Artery
• Obturator Foramen
• Adductor Muscles

External Links

• AnatomyExpert