Lab 6 - Module 1 - The Gluteal Region: Page 5 of 8

Arteries of the Gluteal Region and Posterior Thigh

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The arteries of the gluteal region are all branches of the internal iliac artery. The arteries of the posterior thigh are primarily from the perforating branches of profunda femoris.

Add the Superior Gluteal Artery which exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis muscle. Supplies gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, and tensor fascia lata. It anastomoses with the inferior gluteal and medial circumflex femoral arteries.

Add the Inferior Gluteal Artery which exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to piriformis and supplies the gluteus maximus, obturator internus, quadratus femoris, and superior parts of the hamstring muscles. It anastomoses with the superior gluteal artery and participates in the cruciate anastomosis.

Add the Internal Pudendal Artery which exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen and follows the pudendal nerve into the perineum. (ROTATE THE CADAVER TO SEE THESE ARTERIES FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE PELVIS.)