Umbilical artery

The umbilical artery is typically the very first branch that arises from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (Read more!). In the fetus, this is a large and vital artery that connects the fetus with the placenta, providing fetal circulation. It travels anteromedially across the pelvis towards the anterior abdominal wall, then it passes superiorly, going along the inner surface of the anterior abdominal wall to reach the umbilical ring. Once it has reached the umbilical ring, it travels via the umbilical cord to further reach the placenta.