Artery: Uterine artery
Arteries of the female reproductive tract: uterine artery, ovarian artery and vaginal arteries. (Uterine artery labeled at center.)
Vessels of the uterus and its appendages, rear view. (Uterine artery labeled at center right.)
Latin	arteria uterina
Gray's	subject #155 615
Supplies	round ligament of the uterus, ovary, uterus, vagina, uterine tube
Source	internal iliac artery
Drain	uterine veins

The uterine artery is an artery in females that supplies blood to the uterus.

Structure

The uterine artery usually arises from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. It travels to the uterus, crossing the ureter anteriorly, reaching the uterus by traveling in the transverse cervical ligament.

It travels through the parametrium of the inferior broad ligament of the uterus.

It commonly anastomoses (connects with) the ovarian artery.

The uterine artery is the major blood supply to the uterus and enlarges significantly during pregnancy.

Branches and organs supplied

• round ligament of the uterus
• ovary ("Ovarian branches")
• uterus
  • myometrium (helicine branches of uterine artery)
• vagina ("Vaginal branches" - azygos arteries of the vagina)
• uterine tube ("Tubal branch")

Additional images

See also

• Uterine artery embolization
• Uterine leiomyomata (fibroids of the uterus)

External links

• SUNY Labs 43:13-0204 - "The Female Pelvis: Branches of Internal Iliac Artery"
• Uterine+artery at eMedicine Dictionary
• Norman/Georgetown pelvis (uterus)

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