Lateral sacral artery

Structure

The lateral sacral artery is the second branch of the posterior division of the internal iliac artery. It is a parietal branch.

Superior

The superior, of large size, passes medialward, and, after anastomosing with branches from the middle sacral, enters the first or second anterior sacral foramen, supplies branches to the contents of the sacral canal, and, escaping by the corresponding posterior sacral foramen, is distributed to the skin and muscles on the dorsum of the sacrum, anastomosing with the superior gluteal.

Inferior

The inferior runs obliquely across the front of the piriformis and the sacral nerves to the medial side of the anterior sacral foramina, descends on the front of the sacrum, and anastomoses over the coccyx with the middle sacral and opposite lateral sacral artery.

In its course it gives off branches, which enter the anterior sacral foramina; these, after supplying the contents of the sacral canal, escapes by the posterior sacral foramina, and are distributed to the muscles and skin on the dorsal surface of the sacrum, anastomosing with the gluteal arteries.

Function

The lateral sacral arteries supplies oxygenated blood to the cauda equina.

Additional images

File:Gray612.png|Iliopelvic glands (lateral view).

References

References

1. (2012-01-01). "Chapter 193 - Surgical Resection of Sacral Tumors". W.B. Saunders.
2. Paterson-Brown, Sara. (2010). "Basic Science in Obstetrics and Gynaecology". [[Churchill Livingstone]].
3. (2011-01-01). "Visceral Vascular Manipulations". [[Churchill Livingstone]].