Which branch of the internal iliac artery is NOT part of the anterior division?

Which branch of the internal iliac artery is NOT part of the anterior division?

• A. Obturator artery
• B. Inferior gluteal artery
• C. Superior gluteal artery
• D. Uterine artery

Answer: (C)

The superior gluteal artery is the branch of the internal iliac artery that is associated with the posterior division rather than the anterior division. This artery primarily supplies blood to the gluteal muscles and the surrounding structures in the gluteal region. Its positioning and the areas it perfuses categorize it distinctly within the posterior division. In contrast, the other options—the obturator artery, inferior gluteal artery, and uterine artery—are all branches that originate from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. The obturator artery contributes to the blood supply of the medial compartment of the thigh, the inferior gluteal artery primarily supplies the inferior gluteal region and parts of the hip and thigh, and the uterine artery is crucial for uterine blood supply. Each of these arteries has a specific role in vascularizing the pelvic and thigh structures, aligning with their classification in the anterior division of the internal iliac artery.

The superior gluteal artery is the branch of the internal iliac artery that is associated with the posterior division rather than the anterior division. This artery primarily supplies blood to the gluteal muscles and the surrounding structures in the gluteal region. Its positioning and the areas it perfuses categorize it distinctly within the posterior division.

In contrast, the other options—the obturator artery, inferior gluteal artery, and uterine artery—are all branches that originate from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. The obturator artery contributes to the blood supply of the medial compartment of the thigh, the inferior gluteal artery primarily supplies the inferior gluteal region and parts of the hip and thigh, and the uterine artery is crucial for uterine blood supply. Each of these arteries has a specific role in vascularizing the pelvic and thigh structures, aligning with their classification in the anterior division of the internal iliac artery.