Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

PREFINALS REQUIREMENT

In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements for NSG 10

Submitted by:

Natasha Sam S. Cenita

Austin Jay Ceniza

Enrique M. Del Rosario

Roland Laurence B. Jardiolin

William Jayson

John Carlo Kho

Kei Laguda

Hannah Andrea T. Mercurio

Jess Michael P. Monsanto

BSN 1 NB

Submitted to:

Jesusa F Gabule

AY 2019-2020
I. Route of Blood Flow Through the Heart

Blood enters the heart through two large veins – the posterior (inferior) and the
anterior (superior) vena cava – carrying deoxygenated blood from the body into the
right atrium. Blood flows from the right atrium into the right ventricle through the
tricuspid valve. When the ventricle is full, the tricuspid valve shuts to prevent blood
flowing backwards into the atrium. Blood leaves the heart through the pulmonary
semilunar valve into the pulmonary trunk then to the pulmonary arteries and flows to
the lungs.

The pulmonary vein carries oxygen-rich blood from the lungs into the left atrium. Blood
flows from the left atrium into the left ventricle through the bicuspid valve. When the
ventricle is full, the bicuspid valve shuts to prevent blood from flowing backwards into
the atrium. Blood leaves the heart through the aortic semilunar valve into the aorta and
to the rest of the body.

Reference: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/videos/1608-blood-flow-through-the-
heart
II. Blood Supply to the Heart
Blood is supplied to the heart by its own vascular system, called coronary circulation

Coronary Circulation

The heart muscle, like every other organ or tissue in your body, needs oxygen-rich
blood to survive. Blood is supplied to the heart by its own vascular system, called
coronary circulation.

The aorta (the main blood supplier to the body) branches off into two main coronary
blood vessels (also called arteries). These coronary arteries branch off into smaller
arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the entire heart muscle.

The right coronary artery supplies blood mainly to the right side of the heart. The
right side of the heart is smaller because it pumps blood only to the lungs.

The left coronary artery, which branches into the left anterior descending artery and
the circumflex artery, supplies blood to the left side of the heart. The left side of the
heart is larger and more muscular because it pumps blood to the rest of the body.

The heart receives its own supply of blood from the coronary arteries. Two major
coronary arteries branch off from the aorta near the point where the aorta and the left
ventricle meet. These arteries and their branches supply all parts of the heart muscle
with blood.

Left Main Coronary Artery (also called the left main trunk)

The left main coronary artery branches into:

 Circumflex artery
 Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD)
 The left coronary arteries supply:

 Circumflex artery - supplies blood to the left atrium, side and back of the left
ventricle
 Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD) - supplies the front and bottom of the
left ventricle and the front of the septum

Right Coronary Artery (RCA)

The right coronary artery branches into:

 Right marginal artery

 Posterior descending artery

The right coronary artery supplies:

 Right atrium
 Right ventricle
 Bottom portion of both ventricles and back of the septum
The main portion of the right coronary artery provides blood to the right side of the
heart, which pumps blood to the lungs. The rest of the right coronary artery and its
main branch, the posterior descending artery, together with the branches of the
circumflex artery, run across the surface of the heart's underside, supplying the
bottom portion of the left ventricle and back of the septum.

References:
Seeley’s essentials of Anatomy & Physiology Tenth edition book,
https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/the-coronary-
arteries/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17063-coronary-arteries

III. Aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The aorta begins at the top of the
left ventricle, the heart's muscular pumping chamber. The heart pumps blood from
the left ventricle into the aorta through the aortic valve. Three leaflets on the aortic
valve open and close with each heartbeat to allow one-way flow of blood. The Aorta
can be divided into 4 sections:
 The Ascending Aorta- the part of the aorta that passes superiorly
from the left ventricle. The right and left coronary arteries arise from the
base of the ascending aorta and supply blood to the heart.
 Aortic Arch-this is where the three major arteries namely the
 Brachiocephalic artery which is the first and largest branch that
ascends laterally to split into the right common carotid and right
subclavian arteries.
 Left common Carotid which supplies the left side of the head
and neck
 Left Subclavian arteries which supplies the left upper limb
 Thoracic Aorta- The thoracic (descending) aorta spans from the level
of T4 to T12. Continuing from the aortic arch, it initially begins to the left
of the vertebral column but approaches the midline as it descends. It
leaves the thorax via the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm and becomes
the abdominal aorta. It has 6 branches:
 Bronchial arteries: Paired visceral branches arising laterally to
supply bronchial and peribronchial tissue and visceral pleura.
However, most commonly, only the paired left bronchial artery
arises directly from the aorta whilst the right branches off usually
from the third posterior intercostal artery.
 Mediastinal arteries: Small arteries that supply the lymph glands
and loose areolar tissue in the posterior mediastinum.
 Oesophageal arteries: Unpaired visceral branches arising
anteriorly to supply the oesophagus.
  Pericardial arteries: Small unpaired arteries that arise anteriorly
to supply the dorsal portion of the pericardium.
 Superior phrenic arteries: Paired parietal branches that supply
the superior portion of the diaphragm.
 Intercostal and subcostal arteries: Small paired arteries that
branch off throughout the length of the posterior thoracic aorta.
The 9 pairs of intercostal arteries supply the intercostal spaces,
with the exception of the first and second (they are supplied by a
branch from the subclavian artery). The subcostal arteries
supply the flat abdominal wall muscles.
 Abdominal Aorta-The abdominal aorta is a continuation of the
thoracic aorta beginning at the level of the T12 vertebrae. It is
approximately 13cm long and ends at the level of the L4 vertebra. At
this level, the aorta terminates by bifurcating into the right and left
common iliac arteries that supply the lower body. It has 9 branches:
1. Inferior phrenic arteries: Paired parietal arteries arising posteriorly at
the level of T12. They supply the diaphragm.
2. Coeliac artery: A large, unpaired visceral artery arising anteriorly at the
level of T12. It is also known as the celiac trunk and supplies the liver,
stomach, abdominal oesophagus, spleen, the superior duodenum and
the superior pancreas.
3. Superior mesenteric artery: A large, unpaired visceral artery arising
anteriorly, just below the celiac artery. It supplies the distal duodenum,
jejuno-ileum, ascending colon and part of the transverse colon. It arises
at the lower level of L1.
4. Middle suprarenal arteries: Small paired visceral arteries that arise
either side posteriorly at the level of L1 to supply the adrenal glands.
5. Renal arteries: Paired visceral arteries that arise laterally at the level
between L1 and L2. They supply the kidneys.
6. Gonadal arteries: Paired visceral arteries that arise laterally at the level
of L2. Note that the male gonadal artery is referred to as the testicular
artery and in females, the ovarian artery.
7. Inferior mesenteric artery: A large, unpaired visceral artery that arises
anteriorly at the level of L3. It supplies the large intestine from the
splenic flexure to the upper part of the rectum.
8. Median sacral artery: An unpaired parietal artery that arises posteriorly
at the level of L4 to supply the coccyx, lumbar vertebrae and the
sacrum.
9. Lumbar arteries: There are four pairs of parietal lumbar arteries that
arise posterolaterally between the levels of L1 and L4 to supply the
abdominal wall and spinal cord.
References:
Seeley’s essentials of Anatomy & Physiology Tenth edition book,
https://www.medicinenet.com/image-collection/aorta_picture/picture.htm
https://teachmeanatomy.info/abdomen/vasculature/arteries/aorta/
IV. Arteries of the Head and Neck

Figure 1. Arteries of the Head and Neck

The first vessel to branch from the aortic arch is the brachiocephalic (arm and
head) artery (figure 1). This short artery branches at the level of the clavicle to form
the right common carotid artery, which transports blood to the right side of the head
and neck, and the right subclavian (below the clavicle) artery, which transports blood
to the right upper limb (see figures 1, and 2).
The second and third branches of the aortic arch are the left common carotid
artery, which transports blood to the left side of the head and neck, and the left
subclavian artery, which transports blood to the left upper limb. The common carotid
arteries extend superiorly, without branching, along each side of the neck, from their
Table 1. Arteries of the Head and Neck
base to the inferior angle of the mandible. There each common carotid artery branches
into internal and external carotid arteries (figure 1; see figure 2). At the point of
bifurcation on each side of the neck, the common carotid artery and the base of the
internal carotid artery are dilated slightly to form the carotid sinus, which is important
in monitoring blood pressure (baroreceptor reflex). The external carotid arteries have
several branches that supply the structures of the neck and face (table 1; see figures
1 and 2). The internal carotid arteries, together with the vertebral arteries, which are
branches of the subclavian arteries, supply the brain (see figures 1, and 2; table 1).
 Branches of the subclavian arteries, the left and right vertebral arteries, pass
through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae and enter the cranial cavity
through the foramen magnum. They give off arteries to the cerebellum and then unite
to form a single, midline basilar artery (figure 2; table 1). The basilar artery gives off
branches to the pons and the cerebellum and then branches to form the posterior
cerebral arteries, which supply the posterior part of the cerebrum. The internal carotid
arteries enter the cranial vault through the carotid canals and terminate by forming the
middle cerebral arteries, which supply large parts of the lateral cerebral cortex.
Posterior branches of these arteries, called the posterior communicating arteries, unite
with the posterior cerebral arteries. Anterior branches, called the anterior cerebral
arteries, supply blood to the frontal lobes of the brain. The anterior cerebral arteries
are in turn connected by an anterior communicating artery, which completes a circle
around the pituitary gland and the base of the brain called the cerebral arterial circle
(circle of Willis; see figure and 2).
 Figure 2. Major Arteries of the Head and Thorax

Reference: Cinnamon VanPutte, Jennifer Regan - Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology,

10th edition-McGraw-Hill (2013)
V. Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The arterial supply to the upper limb is delivered into 5 different main vessels.
1. Subclavian: where the supply begins in the upper limb. The subclavian artery
travels laterally towards the axilla. It can be divided into three parts based on its
position relative to the anterior scalene muscle:

● First part – origin of the subclavian artery to the

medial border of the anterior scalene.
● Second part – posterior to the anterior scalene.
● Third part – lateral border of anterior scalene to the
lateral border of the first rib.

At the lateral border of the first rib, the subclavian

artery enters the axilla – and is renamed the axillary
artery.

2. Axillary Artery: Lies deep to the pectoralis Minor, this artery is divided into 3
parts based on the position relative to the pectoralis minor.
● First part : Superior thoracic
artery, proximal to pectoralis minor.
● Second part: thoracoacromial
and lateral thoracic artery, proximal
to pectoralis minor.
● Third part: Subscapular artery
anterior and posterior circumflex
artery, distal to pectoralis minor.
3. Brachial Artery: the continuation of the axillary artery, passes the teres minor and
it is the main supply of blood for the arm.
-Profunda brachii artery: it supplies the
posterior aspect of the upper limb( e.g
triceps)

4. Radial and Ulnar arteries: These two

arteries anastomose in the hand by
forming two arches – the superficial
palmar arch, and the deep palmar arch.

● Radial artery – supplies the

posterior and lateral aspect of the
forearm. The radial pulse can be
palpated in the distal forearm,
immediately lateral to the prominent
tendon of the flexor carpi radialis
muscle.
● Ulnar artery – supplies the
anterior and medial aspect of the
forearm. Also gives rise to the
anterior and posterior interosseous
arteries, which supply deeper
structures in the forearm.
5. Hand: Superficial and Deep Palmar arches

● Superficial palmar arch – located in front of

the flexor tendons in the hand and deep to the
palmar aponeurosis. serves as a network and
supply of blood for the digital arteries
● Deep palmar arch – located deep to the
flexor tendons of the hand.serves as a
network and supply of blood for the digital
arteries.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/deep-palmar-arch#1
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/superficial-palmar-arch#1
https://teachmeanatomy.info/upper-limb/vessels/arteries/
https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/arterial-anastomoses-of-the-upper-
extremity
https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/neurovasculature-of-the-upper-limb
VI. Thoracic Aorta and its branches
1. Thoracic Aorta
- The thoracic aorta is a section of the aorta, the largest artery in the body,
within the chest.
- The thoracic aorta is that part of the aorta that starts after the arch of the aorta
and runs down to the diaphragm.
- The thoracic aorta gives off branches that supply oxygen-rich blood to the
thoracic cage and the organs within it.

The branches of the Thoracic Aorta can be divided into two groups:

● Visceral Arteries
- The arteries that supply blood to the
thoracic organs.
- The visceral branches supply the
esophagus, the trachea, the parietal
pericardium, and the part of the lung.

● Parietal Arteries
- the arteries that supply blood to the
thoracic wall.

2 Major Parietal Arteries:

Posterior Intercostal Arteries:
➔ Arise from the thoracic aorta and
extend between the ribs
➔ Supply the intercostal muscles, the vertebrae, the spinal cord, and
the deep muscles of the back.

Superior Phrenic Arteries:

➔ Supply the diaphragm.

Internal Thoracic Arteries:

➔ Are branches of the subclavian arteries.
➔ They descend along the internal surface of the anterior thoracic
wall and give rise to branches called the anterior intercostal
arteries.

Anterior Intercostal Arteries:

➔ Extend between the ribs to supply the anterior chest wall.

References: Seeley’s essentials of Anatomy & Physiology Tenth edition book,

https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8635
VII. Abdominal Aorta and its Branches
 Figure 1: The Aorta and its Branches

The abdominal aorta and its branches are responsible for the transportation
of blood into the arteries of the pelvis and lower extremities. They also help in
maintaining the parenchymal function of the liver, spleen, pancreas, adrenals, and
kidneys. It begins at the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm, in front of the lower border of
the body of the last thoracic vertebra, and, descending in front of the vertebral
column, ends on the body of the fourth lumbar vertebra, commonly a little to the left
of the middle line, by dividing into the two common iliac arteries. Its branches are
divided into visceral (paired and unpaired) and parietal branches.

Branches
The visceral part is divided into yet again, two parts which are paired and unpaired
branches. For the unpaired branches, it consists of the celiac trunk. It extends
approximately 1cm before dividing into three major branches. The first one is the Left
Gastric which ascends across the diaphragm, giving rise to oesophageal branches,
before continuing anteriorly along the lesser curvature of the stomach. Second is the
Splenic Artery which arises from the coeliac trunk just inferior to the left gastric artery.
It then travels left towards the spleen, running posterior to the stomach and along the
superior margin of the pancreas. During its course, it is contained within the
splenorenal ligament. Lastly, we have the Common Hepatic Arteries which is the sole
arterial supply to the liver and the only branch of the coeliac artery to pass to the right.
As it travels past the superior aspect of the duodenum, it divides into its two terminal
branches – the proper hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries.

Another unpaired branch is the superior mesenteric artery which gives rise
to various branches that supply the small intestine, cecum, ascending and part of the
transverse colon. Its major branches are Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery which
supplies the inferior region of the head of the pancreas, the uncinate process, and the
duodenum. The second one is the Jejunal and Ileal Arteries which are characterised
by a smaller number of arterial arcades, but longer vasa recta. In contrast, the ileal
blood supply is marked by more arterial arcades with shorter vasa recta. Third is the
Middle and Right Colic Arteries which supplies the transverse colon and the ascending
colon respectively. Last is the Ileocolic Artery which rises to branches to the ascending
colon, appendix, cecum, and ileum.

The last unpaired branch is the inferior mesenteric artery which supply the
structures of the embryonic hindgut. The first one is the Left Colic Artery is the first
branch of the IMA. It supplies the distal 1/3 of the transverse colon and the
descending colon. Second is the Sigmoid Arteries which supply the descending
colon and the sigmoid colon. Lastly, we have the Superior Rectal Artery which is a
continuation of the inferior mesenteric artery, supplying the rectum. It descends into
the pelvis, crossing the left common iliac artery and vein.

On the other hand, the paired visceral branches and it consists of three major
branches. The first one is the renal arteries which supply the kidneys. The second
one is the suprarenal arteries which supply the adrenal glands. Lastly, we have the
testicular and ovarian arteries which supply the testes (males) and ovaries
(females), respectively.

For the parietal branch of the abdominal aorta, we have the following branches.
First, the inferior phrenic arteries separate across the crura of the diaphragm and
the muscular bundles that attach the diaphragm to the lumbar spine. The arteries run
upward and laterally on the underside of the crura and supply the diaphragm. Second,
the lumbar arteries usually have four lumbar arteries on each side, arising from the
posterior aspect of the abdominal aorta. They technically supply the lumbar vertebrae
and the back muscles. Lastly, we have the median sacral arteries which give minute
branches to the posterior surface of the rectum. It also forms anastomoses with the
lumbar branch of the iliolumbar artery in front of the last lumbar vertebra and lateral
sacral arteries in front of the sacrum.

References:
https://teachmeanatomy.info/abdomen/vasculature/arteries/coeliac-trunk/
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/inferior-phrenic-arteries#1
https://www.mananatomy.com/body-systems/cardiovascular-system/median-sacral-
artery

VIII. Arteries of the Pelvis

1. Major Arteries of the Pelvis: Internal Iliac - The internal iliac artery is the
major artery of the pelvis. It originates at the bifurcation of the common iliac
artery into its internal and external branches, as shown in Figure 1. This
approximately occurs at vertebral level L5-S1.

Fig. 1 The bifurcation of the common iliac artery into internal and external
branches.
The artery descends inferiorly, crossing the pelvic inlet to enter the lesser
pelvis. During its descent, it is situated medially to the external iliac vein and
obturator nerve. At the superior border of the greater sciatic foramen, it divides
into anterior and posterior trunks.
● Anterior Trunk - The anterior trunk gives rise to numerous branches
that supply the pelvic organs, the perineum, and the gluteal and adductor
regions of the lower limb. The following branches of the internal iliac
artery are highlighted in Figure 2 below, working anti-clockwise from
obturator artery to inferior gluteal artery.
 Obturator artery – Travels through the obturator canal,
accompanied by the obturator nerve and vein. It supplies the
muscles of the thigh’s adductor region. Supplies blood to the
ileum, pelvic muscles, head of the femur, muscles and skin of the
medial region of the thigh.
 Umbilical artery – Gives rise to the superior vesical artery, which
supplies the superior aspect of the urinary bladder.
 In utero, the umbilical artery transports
deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta.
 Inferior vesical artery – Supplies the lower aspect of the bladder.
In males, it also supplies the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.
 Vaginal artery (female) – Descends to the vagina, supplying
additional branches to the inferior bladder and rectum. Supplies
blood to the vagina and the base of the bladder.
 Uterine artery (female) (shown in Figure 3) – Travels within the
cardinal ligament to reach the cervix, where it ascends along the
lateral aspect of the uterus. At the origin of the fallopian tubes, it
anastomoses with the ovarian artery. During its course, it crosses
the ureters superiorly. The purpose of the uterine artery is to
transport healthy, oxygenated blood into the uterus.
  Middle rectal artery – Travels medially to supply the distal part
of the rectum. It also forms anastomoses with the superior rectal
artery (derived from the inferior mesenteric) and the inferior rectal
artery (derived from the internal pudendal). Delivers oxygenated
blood to the rectum.
 Internal pudendal artery – Moves inferiorly to exit the pelvis via
the greater sciatic foramen. Accompanied by the pudendal nerve,
it then enters the perineum via the lesser sciatic foramen. It is the
main artery responsible for the blood supply to the perineum..
 Inferior gluteal artery – The terminal branch of the anterior trunk.
It leaves the pelvic cavity via the greater sciatic foramen,
emerging inferiorly to the piriformis muscle in the gluteal region. It
contributes to the blood supply of the gluteal muscles and hip
joint.

Fig. 2 The major branches of the internal iliac artery. Anterior branches are shown
from obturator artery, moving anti-clockwise to the inferior gluteal artery. The lateral
sacral artery and superior gluteal artery arise from the posterior trunk. Note: The
anterior and posterior trunks are not visible in this illustration
● Posterior Trunk - The posterior trunk gives rise to arteries that supply the lower
posterior abdominal wall, posterior pelvic wall and the gluteal region. There are
typically three branches:
 Iliolumbar artery – Ascends to exit the lesser pelvis, dividing into a
lumbar and iliac branch. The lumbar branch supplies psoas major,
quadratus lumborum and the posterior abdominal wall. The iliac branch
supplies the muscles and bone around the iliac fossa.
 Lateral sacral arteries (superior and inferior) – Travel infero-medially
along the posterior pelvic wall to supply structures in the sacral canal,
and the skin and muscle posterior to the sacrum. Supplies blood to the
skin and muscles over the sacrum
 Superior gluteal artery – The terminal branch of the posterior trunk. It
exits the pelvic cavity via the greater sciatic foramen, entering the gluteal
 region superiorly to the piriformis muscle. It is the major blood supply to
the muscles and skin of the gluteal region.
2. Minor Arteries of the Pelvis
● Gonadal Arteries: The ovarian artery is the major gonadal artery in females. It
arises from the abdominal aorta, distal to the origin of the renal arteries. The
artery descends towards the pelvis, crossing the pelvic brim and the origin of
the external iliac vessels. It moves medially, dividing into an ovarian branch and
tubal branches, which supply their respective structures. The term gonadal
artery is a generic term for a paired artery, with one arising from the abdominal
aorta for each gonad. Specifically, it can refer to: the testicular artery in males.
the ovarian artery in females.
Note – the testicular artery reaches the scrotum via the inguinal canal, and therefore
does not actually enter the pelvis.

Fig. 3 Arterial supply to the female reproductive tract. The uterine and vaginal
arteries come from the anterior branch of the internal iliac artery, while the ovarian
artery arises from the abdominal aorta.

● Median Sacral Artery - The median sacral artery originates from the
posterior aspect of abdominal aorta at its bifurcation into the common iliac
arteries. It descends anteriorly to the L4 and L5 vertebrae, sacrum and
coccyx, contributing to the arterial supply of these regions. Supplies blood to
the sacral nerve rootlets, adjacent muscles, meninges, and sacrum.
● Superior Rectal Artery - The superior rectal artery is the terminal
continuation of the inferior mesenteric artery. It crosses the left common iliac
artery and descends in the mesentery of the sigmoid colon. Supplies bloods
to the rectum down to the level of the levator ani

References: https://teachmeanatomy.info/pelvis/vasculature/arterial-supply/
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/uterine-artery-plexus
https://www.anatomynext.com/obturator-artery/
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/middle-rectal-artery
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/lateral-sacral-arterieshttp
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/superior-rectal-artery
IX. Arteries of the Lower Limb
Femoral Artery
 The main artery of the lower limb is the femoral artery. It is a continuation of
the external iliac artery (terminal branch of the abdominal aorta). The external iliac
becomes the femoral artery when it crosses under the inguinal ligament and enters
the femoral triangle.

In the femoral triangle, the profunda femoris artery arises from the posterolateral
aspect of the femoral artery. It travels posteriorly and distally, giving off three main
branches:

● Perforating branches – Consists of three or four arteries that perforate the

adductor magnus, contributing to the supply of the muscles in the medial and
posterior thigh.
● Lateral femoral circumflex artery – Wraps round the anterior, lateral side of
the femur, supplying some of the muscles on the lateral aspect of the thigh.
● Medial femoral circumflex artery – Wraps round the posterior side of the
femur, supplying its neck and head. In a fracture of the femoral neck this
artery can easily be damaged, and avascular necrosis of the femur head can
occur.

The anatomical course of the femoral artery, and its branches

After exiting the femoral triangle, the femoral artery continues down the anterior
surface of the thigh, via a tunnel known as the adductor canal. During its descent
the artery supplies the anterior thigh muscles.

The adductor canal ends at an opening in the adductor magnus, called the adductor
hiatus. The femoral artery moves through this opening, and enters the posterior
compartment of the thigh, proximal to the knee. The femoral artery is now known as
the popliteal artery.
Other Arteries of the Thigh
In addition to the femoral artery, there are other vessels supplying the lower limb.

The obturator artery arises from the internal iliac artery in the pelvic region. It
descends via the obturator canal to enter the medial thigh, bifurcating into two
branches:

Anterior branch – This supplies the pectineus, obturator externus, adductor

muscles and gracilis.

Posterior branch – This supplies some of the deep gluteal muscles.

The gluteal region is largely supplied by the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.
These arteries also arise from the internal iliac artery, entering the gluteal region via
the greater sciatic foramen.

The superior gluteal artery leaves the foramen above the piriformis muscle, the
inferior below the muscle. In addition to the gluteal muscles, the inferior gluteal artery
also contributes towards the vasculature of the posterior thigh.

Arterial supply to the posterior thigh and gluteal region

In the Leg

The popliteal artery descends down the posterior thigh, giving rise to genicular
branches that supply the knee joint. It moves through the popliteal fossa, exiting
between the gastrocnemius and popliteus muscles.
At the lower border of the popliteus, the popliteal artery terminates by dividing into
the anterior tibial artery and the tibioperoneal trunk. In turn, the tibioperoneal trunk
bifurcates into the posterior tibial and fibular arteries:

● Posterior tibial artery – continues inferiorly, along the surface of the deep
posterior leg muscles (such as tibialis posterior). It enters the sole of the foot
via the tarsal tunnel, accompanying the tibial nerve.
● Fibular (peroneal) artery – descends posteriorly to the fibula, within the
posterior compartment of the leg. It gives rise to perforating branches, which
penetrate the intermuscular septum to supply muscles in the lateral
compartment of the leg.

The other division of the popliteal artery, the anterior tibial artery, passes anteriorly
between the tibia and fibula, through a gap in the interosseous membrane. It then
moves inferiorly down the leg. It runs down the entire length of the leg, and into the
foot, where it becomes the dorsalis pedis artery.

In the Foot
Arterial supply to the foot is delivered via two arteries:

● Dorsalis pedis (a continuation of the anterior tibial artery)

● Posterior tibial
○ The dorsalis pedis artery begins as the anterior tibial artery enters the
foot. It passes over the dorsal aspect of the tarsal bones, then moves
inferiorly, towards the sole of the foot. It then anastomoses with the
lateral plantar artery to form the deep plantar arch. The dorsalis pedis
 artery supplies the tarsal bones and the dorsal aspect of the
metatarsals. Via the deep plantar arch, it also contributes to the supply
of the toes.

The posterior tibial artery enters the sole of the foot through the tarsal tunnel. It then
splits into the lateral and medial plantar arteries. These arteries supply the plantar
side of the foot and contributes to the supply of the toes via the deep plantar arch.

References: https://teachmeanatomy.info/lower-limb/vessels/arterial-supply/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Arteries_of_the_lower_limb