View source for Obturator artery

{{Infobox Artery |
  Name        = Obturator artery |
  Latin       = arteria obturatoria |
  GraySubject = 155 |
  GrayPage    = 616 |
  Image       = Gray547.png |
  Caption     = The relations of the femoral and abdominal [[inguinal rings]], seen from within the [[abdomen]]. Right side. (Obturator artery is visible at bottom.) |
  Image2      = |
  Caption2    = |
  BranchFrom  = [[internal iliac artery]] |
  BranchTo    = [[anterior branch of the obturator artery|anterior branch]], [[posterior branch of the obturator artery|posterior branch]] |
  Vein        = |
  Supplies    = [[Obturator externus muscle]], [[medial compartment of thigh]], [[femur]] |
  MeshName    = |
  MeshNumber  = |
  DorlandsPre = a_61 |
  DorlandsSuf = 12155276 |
}}

{{WikiDoc Cardiology Network Infobox}}
{{SI}}
{{CMG}}




The '''obturator artery''' passes antero-inferiorly (forwards and downwards) on the lateral wall of the [[pelvis]], to the upper part of the [[obturator foramen]], and, escaping from the pelvic cavity through the [[obturator canal]], it divides into both an anterior and a posterior branch. 

==Inside the pelvis==
In the pelvic cavity this vessel is in relation, laterally, with the [[obturator fascia]]; medially, with the [[ureter]], [[ductus deferens]], and [[peritoneum]]; while a little below it is the [[obturator nerve]].

Inside the pelvis the obturator artery gives off iliac branches to the [[iliac fossa]], which supply the bone and the [[Iliacus]], and anastomose with the [[ilio-lumbar artery]]; a vesical branch, which runs backward to supply the [[bladder]]; and a pubic branch, which is given off from the vessel just before it leaves the [[pelvic cavity]]. 

The pubic branch ascends upon the back of the pubis, communicating with the corresponding vessel of the opposite side, and with the [[inferior epigastric artery]].

==Outside the pelvis==
Outside the pelvis, the obturator artery divides at the upper margin of the [[obturator foramen]], into an [[anterior branch of the obturator artery|anterior branch]] and a [[posterior branch of the obturator artery|posterior branch]] which encircle the foramen under cover of the [[Obturator externus]].

==Peculiarities==

The obturator artery sometimes arises from the main stem or from the posterior trunk of the [[hypogastric]], or it may spring from the [[superior gluteal artery]]; occasionally it arises from the [[external iliac]]. 

<gallery>
Image:Gray541.png|Variations in origin and course of obturator artery.
</gallery>

In about two out of every seven cases it springs from the [[inferior epigastric]] and descends almost vertically to the upper part of the [[obturator foramen]]. The artery in this course usually lies in contact with the [[external iliac vein]], and on the lateral side of the [[femoral ring]] ''(Figure A on diagram)''; in such cases it would not be endangered in the operation for strangulated [[femoral hernia]]. 

Occasionally, however, it curves along the free margin of the [[lacunar ligament]] ''(Figure B)'', and if in such circumstances a femoral hernia occurred, the vessel would almost completely encircle the neck of the hernial sac, and would be in great danger of being wounded if an operation were performed for strangulation.

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 Image:Gray236.png|Right hip bone. Internal surface.
 Image:Gray404.png|Left Levator ani from within.
</gallery>

==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|43|13|02|01}} - "The Female Pelvis: Branches of Internal Iliac Artery"
* {{NormanAnatomy|pelvis}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|pelvicarteries}})
* {{LoyolaMedEd|Grossanatomy/dissector/practical/pelvis/pelvis15.html}}
* [http://www.anatomyatlases.org/AnatomicVariants/Cardiovascular/Images0400/0471.shtml Variations at anatomyatlases.org]
* [http://www.anatomyatlases.org/AnatomicVariants/Cardiovascular/Images0001/0067.shtml Variations at anatomyatlases.org]

{{Gray's}}
{{Arteries of thorax and abdomen}}


[[category:abdomen]]
[[Category:Arteries]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
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