Detailed Vascular Supply to the Uterus

Description

Arising from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery, the uterine artery courses medially within the base of the broad ligament (cardinal ligament region) toward the cervix, then ascends along the lateral uterine wall to supply the body and fundus. Tubal and ovarian branches track superiorly toward the uterine tube and anastomose with the ovarian artery near the uterine cornua, while smaller cervicovaginal branches descend inferiorly toward the upper vagina. Venous return parallels the arterial pattern through a uterine venous plexus in the broad ligament that drains into the internal iliac veins, with communicating channels toward the ovarian (gonadal) veins. Layered, crowded, and clinically unforgiving. This profile emphasizes the relationships that matter in the operating room: the uterine artery crosses superior to the ureter near the level of the cervix (water under the bridge), and that crossing sits exactly where pedicles are clamped during hysterectomy and uterine-sparing procedures. The broad-ligament venous plexus, including the uterovaginal plexus, explains why brisk bleeding can appear diffuse rather than coming from a single named vessel, and why hematoma can track laterally into the parametrium. The anastomosis with the ovarian artery also frames uterine artery embolization outcomes and collateral perfusion patterns in postpartum hemorrhage management. Use this artwork for gynecologic anatomy teaching (pelvis and perineum blocks), surgical atlases detailing hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and myomectomy, and clinical education materials on uterine artery ligation, embolization, and ureteric injury prevention. It also supports radiology and interventional modules that map uterine vasculature for catheter-based therapy planning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.