Tubal branch of uterine artery

Tubal Branch of Uterine Artery

The tubal branch of the uterine artery is a small artery that supplies blood to the fallopian tubes. It is a branch of the uterine artery, which itself is a branch of the internal iliac artery.

Anatomy

The uterine artery travels through the broad ligament to reach the uterus. As it approaches the uterus, it gives off several branches, including the tubal branch. The tubal branch specifically supplies the fallopian tubes, which are crucial for the transport of ova from the ovaries to the uterus.

The tubal branch anastomoses with the ovarian branch of the ovarian artery, providing a collateral blood supply to the fallopian tubes. This anastomosis is important for maintaining blood flow to the tubes, especially during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Function

The primary function of the tubal branch of the uterine artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the fallopian tubes. This blood supply is essential for the health and function of the fallopian tubes, which play a critical role in reproduction. The fallopian tubes are the site of fertilization, where the sperm meets the egg to form a zygote.

Clinical Significance

The blood supply to the fallopian tubes is important in various clinical scenarios. For instance, in cases of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube, the blood supply from the tubal branch can contribute to the growth of the ectopic tissue. Understanding the vascular supply is also important in surgical procedures involving the fallopian tubes, such as tubal ligation.

Images

Diagram of the arteries of the female pelvis, showing the uterine artery and its branches.

Diagram of the female reproductive system, showing the location of the fallopian tubes.

Related Pages

• Uterine artery
• Fallopian tube
• Internal iliac artery
• Ovarian artery

References

• Moore, Keith L., et al. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 7th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013.
• Standring, Susan, ed. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed., Elsevier, 2016.

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