Superior gluteal artery

The superior gluteal artery (latin: arteria glutaea superior) is the largest branch of the internal iliac artery. The superior gluteal artery arises from the posterior division of the internal iliac artery.

The superior gluteal artery passes posteriorly between the lumbosacral trunk and the first sacral nerve. It leaves the pelvic cavity via the suprapiriform foramen, and then the superior gluteal artery divides into superficial and deep branches.

The superior gluteal artery forms an anastomosis with the inferior gluteal artery and the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

The superior gluteal artery supplies blood to the gluteal muscles (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus), the tensor fasciae latae, the piriformis, and to the hip joint.