Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis
Published on: January 7, 2018
The anatomy of the uterine artery: A meta-analysis with implications for gynecological procedures
Patryk Ostrowski1,2, Michał Bonczar1,2, Mateusz Michalczak1
1Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
The uterine artery (UA) is an arterial branch of the internal iliac artery in women, usually arising from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. However, due to the high variability in the anatomy of the UA, embolization of this vessel may be challenging. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to provide physicians with transparent data on the anatomy of the UA, using the available data in the literature. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find all the relevant studies regarding the UA. A total of 16 articles met the required criteria. The UA was found to originate most frequently from the internal iliac artery as the pooled prevalence was set to be 61.72% (95% CI: 41.31%-80.31%). A pooled prevalence of the UA originating from the umbilical artery was established at 13.93% (95% CI: 2.76%-30.44%). A pooled prevalence of the UA originating from the inferior gluteal artery was set to be 5.22% (95% CI: 0.00%-15.44%). In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-date study regarding the highly variable anatomy of the UA. The UA originates most frequently from the internal iliac artery (61.72%), however, other origins, such as from the umbilical artery (13.93%) or the inferior gluteal artery (5.22%) may occur. It is hoped that the results of the present meta-analysis will be a helpful tool for surgeons performing pelvic or gynecological surgeries.
Related Concept Videos
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Histology of the Uterus
The endometrium is the...
Arteries of Lower Limbs
Arteries of the Head and Neck
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...

