Arteries that supply the pelvic region and legs?

The pelvic region and legs receive their arterial supply from several major arteries that branch off from the abdominal aorta. Here are the main arteries involved:

1. Common Iliac Arteries:

- The abdominal aorta divides into two common iliac arteries at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra.

- Each common iliac artery supplies the ipsilateral (right or left) half of the pelvis and lower extremity.

2. Internal Iliac Artery (Hypogastric Artery):

- Each common iliac artery gives off an internal iliac artery, which is also known as the hypogastric artery.

- The internal iliac artery enters the pelvis and branches extensively to supply the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, rectum, uterus (in females), prostate (in males), and pelvic muscles.

3. External Iliac Artery:

- The other branch of the common iliac artery is the external iliac artery.

- The external iliac artery continues down the posterior abdominal wall and passes beneath the inguinal ligament to become the femoral artery.

4. Femoral Artery:

- The femoral artery is the main artery of the thigh.

- It passes through the femoral triangle and into the thigh, where it gives off branches to supply the muscles and skin of the anterior thigh.

5. Popliteal Artery:

- The femoral artery continues into the knee region and becomes the popliteal artery.

- The popliteal artery runs behind the knee joint and gives off branches to supply the knee and surrounding structures.

6. Anterior Tibial Artery and Posterior Tibial Artery:

- In the lower leg, the popliteal artery divides into the anterior tibial artery and the posterior tibial artery.

- The anterior tibial artery supplies the anterolateral aspect of the leg, while the posterior tibial artery supplies the posteromedial aspect.

7. Peroneal Artery:

- The posterior tibial artery gives off the peroneal artery, which supplies the lateral aspect of the leg and foot.

These arteries, along with their branches, ensure that the pelvic region and legs receive the necessary oxygenated blood for their proper functioning.