Superior gluteal artery 4385129 220555151 2008-06-20T12:39:14Z Berichard 3184507 {{Infobox Artery | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = arteria glutea superior | GraySubject = 155 | GrayPage = 622 | Image = Gray1244.png | Caption = Left gluteal region, showing surface markings for arteries and sciatic nerve. | Image2 = Internal iliac branches.PNG| Caption2 = [[Internal iliac artery]] and some of its branches. Superior gluteal artery labeled at right | BranchFrom = [[Internal iliac artery]] | BranchTo = | Vein = [[Superior gluteal veins]] | Supplies = [[Gluteus maximus muscle]], [[Piriformis muscle]], [[Tensor fasciae latae]] | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = a_61 | DorlandsSuf = 12154426 | }} The '''superior gluteal artery''' (gluteal artery) is the largest branch of the [[internal iliac artery]], and appears to be the continuation of the posterior division of that vessel. It is a short artery which runs backward between the lumbosacral trunk and the first sacral nerve, and, passing out of the pelvis above the upper border of the [[Piriformis]], immediately divides into a superficial and a deep branch. Within the pelvis it gives off a few branches to the [[Iliacus]], [[Piriformis]], and [[Obturator internus]], and just previous to quitting that cavity, a nutrient artery which enters the ilium. ==Superficial branch== The superficial branch enters the deep surface of the [[glutæus maximus]], and divides into numerous branches, some of which supply the muscle and anastomose with the [[inferior gluteal artery]], while others perforate its tendinous origin, and supply the integument covering the posterior surface of the sacrum, anastomosing with the posterior branches of the [[lateral sacral arteries]]. ==Deep branch== The deep branch lies under the Glutæus medius and almost immediately subdivides into two. Of these, the superior division, continuing the original course of the vessel, passes along the upper border of the Glutæus minimus to the anterior superior spine of the ilium, anastomosing with the [[deep iliac circumflex artery]] and the ascending branch of the [[lateral femoral circumflex artery]]. The inferior division crosses the Glutæus minimus obliquely to the greater trochanter, distributing branches to the Glutæi and anastomoses with the [[lateral femoral circumflex artery]]. Some branches pierce the Glutæus minimus and supply the hip-joint. ==See also== * [[Inferior gluteal artery]] ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Gray404.png|Left Levator ani from within. Image:Gray544.png|The arteries of the gluteal and posterior femoral regions. Image:Gray829.png|Dissection of side wall of pelvis showing sacral and pudendal plexuses. </gallery> ==External links== * {{eMedicineDictionary|Superior+gluteal+artery}} * {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|43|13|01|05}} - "The Female Pelvis: Branches of Internal Iliac Artery" {{Gray's}} {{circulatory-stub}} {{Arteries of thorax and abdomen}} [[fr:Artère glutéale supérieure]] [[pt:Artéria glútea superior]]