What are the main arteries that supply the gluteal region?

The gluteal region is primarily supplied by three branches of the internal iliac artery: the superior gluteal artery, inferior gluteal artery, and internal pudendal artery (which is covered separately under perineal supply).

How do the superior and inferior gluteal arteries differ in their course?

Both arteries exit the pelvis via the greater sciatic foramen, but the superior gluteal artery exits above the piriformis muscle, while the inferior gluteal artery exits below it.

What are the branches of the superior gluteal artery?

The superior gluteal artery divides into a superficial branch that supplies gluteus medius and maximus, and a deep branch that passes between gluteus medius and minimus, contributing to anastomoses.

What structures does the inferior gluteal artery supply?

The inferior gluteal artery supplies gluteal muscles via muscular branches, contributes to anastomoses, and gives off the artery to sciatic nerve (arteria nervi ischiadici) that supplies the sciatic nerve.

What is the clinical significance of the artery to sciatic nerve?

The artery to sciatic nerve (arteria nervi ischiadici) is clinically significant as it supplies the sciatic nerve and is an embryological remnant of the axis artery of the lower limb.

Which anastomoses do the gluteal arteries contribute to?

The superior gluteal artery contributes to spinous and trochanteric anastomoses, while the inferior gluteal artery contributes to cruciate and trochanteric anastomoses.

Gluteal Arteries – Superior & Inferior Branches