The internal iliac artery is the smaller terminal branch of the common iliac artery (Read more!). It is a relatively short vessel that arises from the posteromedial aspect of the common iliac artery at the level of the pelvic brim anterior to the sacroiliac joint.

The internal iliac artery is the main artery that supplies the organs and structures positioned within the pelvic cavity, and it is a significant contributor supplying structures of the pelvic wall, gluteal area, perineum, external and internal genitalia, and medial compartment of the thigh. This artery is also known as the hypogastric artery.

The internal iliac artery arises from the site where the common iliac artery bifurcates. Then, it crosses the pelvic brim and descends posteromedially towards the lesser pelvis to give off numerous branches. Overall, the internal iliac artery is a short vessel, only about 0.4 to 1.57 inches (1 to 4 centimeters) in length. Soon after this artery arises, it bifurcates into two divisions - the anterior trunk and the posterior trunk.

The posterior trunk gives rise to the following arteries:

In males, the anterior trunk gives rise to these arteries (in the most common order of their origin):

It is important to note that all these arteries arising from the internal iliac artery are highly variable blood vessels in their branching pattern, position, supplied areas, and number. Also, there are some notable differences between branches of the internal iliac arteries in males and females.

All these branches can also be grouped into visceral branches and parietal branches. Visceral branches supply the ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, rectum, prostate, ductus deferentes, seminal glands, and ejaculatory ducts. In contrast, parietal branches of the internal iliac artery supply various musculoskeletal structures of the gluteal region, thigh, and hip joint.

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Internal iliac artery