Abstract

Introduction: Despite the critical role of the uterine artery (UA) and vaginal artery (VA) in the blood supply to the pelvic organs and cavity, there is a paucity of descriptions of their origin, course, and dimensions.
Aim: The aim of the study was to present a detailed account based on a cadaveric study on pelvic halves of 31 female embalmed cadavers belonging an Indian population.
Methods: A total of 31 female cadavers (62 pelvic halves) in the age group of 34-75 years belonging an Indian population were dissected.
Results: There were no variations in the origin, course, distribution and length of the UA and VA and their branches. However, in a significant number of cadavers, the diameter of the UA was smaller than normal, while the corresponding VA in these same cadavers was larger than normal. Additionally, in other cadavers where the diameter of the UA was larger than normal, the diameters of the VA was smaller than normal.
Conclusion: Thus, uterus received complementary blood supply from the UA and VA. However, a more definitive pattern of blood supply to the uterus could not be established due to a limited number of cadavers. Further, since adequate studies from different population groups were not available, a more detailed description of the branching patterns and dimensions of the UA and VA and their branches in different population groups could not be formulated.

Keywords

pelvic halves, physiological processes, vaginal artery, maternal pathologies, childbirth