Anatomical Structure and Location of the Superior Vesical Artery

Description

Arising from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery, the superior vesical artery courses anteromedially along the lateral pelvic wall and then turns superiorly toward the urinary bladder, sending multiple branches into the superolateral aspect and dome. The vessel runs in close relationship to the obliterated umbilical artery (medial umbilical ligament), with the ureter crossing nearby as it descends toward the posterolateral bladder. An anterior perspective also places the peritoneal reflections and loops of small and large intestine superior to the bladder, while the rectum and seminal vesicles lie posterior and are only partially suggested, if included at all. Pelvic arterial anatomy matters most when the field is crowded and bleeding is unforgiving. Branches of the superior vesical artery are encountered during open or minimally invasive bladder surgery, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and anterior approaches to the retropubic space, where misidentification can lead to troublesome hemorrhage or devascularization of the bladder dome. Short, variable branches can also be at risk during suprapubic catheter placement and during repair of bladder injury, and their relationship to the ureter helps frame why careful dissection at the bladder base differs from work on the superior bladder surface. Designed for anatomy teaching and surgical orientation, this plate fits well in pelvic anatomy modules, urology and general surgery atlases, and manuscripts discussing internal iliac artery branching patterns or operative steps in cystotomy and cystectomy. It also supports case-based teaching on pelvic trauma, iatrogenic bladder injury, and targeted arterial ligation in the male pelvis. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.