Definition
The obturator artery is a vascular branch that supplies blood to the medial compartment of the thigh and structures of the pelvis. It typically arises from the internal iliac artery, though occasional variations include origin from the external iliac artery or the inferior epigastric artery.
Overview
The obturator artery travels anteroinferiorly within the pelvis, accompanying the obturator nerve and vein. It exits the pelvic cavity through the obturator canal—a passage within the obturator foramen—and then descends on the obturator internus muscle. Within the thigh, the artery divides into anterior and posterior branches that perfuse the adductor muscles, the hip joint capsule, and the proximal portion of the femur. Clinically, the obturator artery is relevant in surgeries involving the pelvis and thigh, and its injury can result in hemorrhage or ischemic complications of the medial thigh.
Etymology/Origin
The term “obturator” derives from the Latin obturare (“to block”) and is associated with the obturator foramen, the large opening in the pelvis through which the obturator vessels and nerve pass. Thus, “obturator artery” literally denotes the artery that traverses the obturator canal.
Characteristics
- Origin: Primarily a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery; variant origins include the external iliac artery or the inferior epigastric artery (the latter known as the “corona mortis” anastomosis).
- Course: Runs along the lateral wall of the pelvis, accompanied by the obturator nerve and vein, and passes through the obturator canal.
- Branches:
- Anterior branch: Supplies the adductor longus, adductor brevis, and gracilis muscles; contributes to the arterial network of the hip joint.
- Posterior branch: Supplies the obturator externus and the posterior aspect of the hip joint capsule; may give off a branch to the femoral head.
- Anastomoses: Forms arterial connections with the medial circumflex femoral artery, the inferior gluteal artery, and, when arising from the inferior epigastric artery, with the external iliac system (corona mortis).
- Clinical significance:
- Vascular injury during pelvic fracture fixation or obturator hernia repair can lead to significant bleeding.
- Knowledge of its variable origin is essential to avoid inadvertent damage during inguinal and pelvic surgeries.
- Embolization of the obturator artery may be employed to control hemorrhage from pelvic trauma.
Related Topics
- Internal iliac artery
- External iliac artery
- Inferior epigastric artery
- Obturator nerve
- Obturator foramen and canal
- Medial circumflex femoral artery
- Hip joint vascular supply
- Pelvic hemorrhage and embolization techniques
This entry follows the conventions of anatomical reference works and reflects currently available medical literature.