Quick Facts
Origin: Anterior division of internal iliac artery.
Course: Descends in an anteromedial direction and travels towards the lateral aspect of the uterus.
Branches: Ascending and vaginal branch of uterine artery, arcuate arteries.
Supplied Structures: Vagina, cervix, uterus, uterine tube, and ovary.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The uterine artery originates as a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery.
Course
The artery descends, then travels in an anteromedial direction. It crosses anterior to the ureter as it travels medially within the broad ligament.
It approaches the uterus at the junction between the cervix and the uterus. Here it divides into an ascending and descending branch known as the vaginal branch of the uterine artery.
Branches
The ascending uterine artery is the major branch of the uterine artery and has a tortuous appearance as it ascends to the uterine body.
The uterine artery also gives a branch that descends along the cervix. This branch is known as the vaginal branch of the uterine artery. It travels inferiorly from the cervicouterine junction along the vagina.
Terminal arcuate branches of the uterine artery sit within the endometrium and are named helicine arterioles because of their torturous appearance. These arteries undergo changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
Supplied Structures
The uterine artery supplies the uterus, cervix, and a portion of the vagina. In addition, it also supplies a portion of the uterine tube and the ovary.
