Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches
06:51

Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches

Published on: September 5, 2025

Variability in the origin of the obturator artery

Mangala M Pai1, Ashwin Krishnamurthy, Latha V Prabhu

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Bejai, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. drmmpai@gmail.com

Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|September 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Aberrant obturator artery variations are more common than previously thought, occurring in 21% of cases. Awareness of these anatomical variations is crucial for pelvic surgeons to prevent surgical complications during hernia repair.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Surgical Anatomy
  • Vascular Anatomy

Background:

  • The obturator artery is typically a branch of the internal iliac artery.
  • Variations in its origin and course can lead to surgical complications, particularly during laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.
  • Awareness of aberrant obturator artery anatomy is essential for general surgeons performing pelvic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and variations of the obturator artery.
  • To provide anatomical data relevant to pelvic surgery.
  • To enhance surgical safety in procedures involving the femoral ring.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of 98 pelvic halves from embalmed cadavers.
  • Detailed tracing and documentation of the obturator artery's origin and course.
  • Statistical analysis of observed variations.

Main Results:

  • The obturator artery originated from the internal iliac artery in 79% of specimens.
  • Significant variations were observed in 21% of cases, including origin from the external iliac artery (19%) or dual origins (2%).
  • These variations demonstrate a higher prevalence than previously reported.

Conclusions:

  • Aberrant obturator artery anatomy is more common than previously understood.
  • These findings have significant implications for pelvic surgeons, especially those performing hernia repairs.
  • Understanding these vascular variations is critical for preventing iatrogenic injuries and improving patient outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
External iliac arteryInferior epigastric arteryInternal iliac arteryObturator arteryVariations

More Related Videos

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer12:45

Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer

Published on: February 12, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of Lower Limbs01:20

Arteries of Lower Limbs

The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular artery,...
Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs01:12

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
The Aorta01:14

The Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...