Home › Body Atlas › Vessels › Internal Iliac Artery

Internal Iliac Artery

arteria iliaca interna

The internal iliac (hypogastric) artery is the primary blood supply to the pelvic organs, gluteal muscles, and perineum. Its ligation to control massive pelvic haemorrhage from obstetric emergencies, pelvic fractures, and pelvic tumours is a surgical technique that reduces pulse pressure to allow clot formation while collateral circulation maintains pelvic organ viability. The superior gluteal artery, largest branch, exits the greater sciatic foramen and is the dominant supply to the gluteus maximus and medius.

Region: Pelvis & Hip

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Common iliac artery bifurcation at L5-S1

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Internal iliac artery aneurysms occur in 10 to 20 percent of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and can cause ureteric obstruction and sciatic nerve compression from expansion. Internal iliac ligation for post-partum haemorrhage, trauma, or tumour reduces but does not eliminate pelvic bleeding because of rich collateral anastomoses. The uterine artery (anterior division branch) is ligated or embolised in hysterectomy and uterine artery embolisation for fibroids.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Pelvic Haemorrhage

Massive bleeding from internal iliac branches in pelvic fractures or obstetric emergencies managed with angiographic embolisation of the internal iliac artery as a life-saving intervention.