Internal pudendal artery - Definition and Overview

Internal pudental artery is the terminal branch of the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery which supplies the external genitalia. It is smaller in the female than in the male. It exits the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen to enter the gluteal region where it curves around the ischial spine to enter the perineum through the lesser sciatic foramen. In females it becomes the posterior labial artery behind the inferior pubic ligament and gives origin to muscular, inferior haemorrhoidal and perineal arteries. In males it becomes the penile artery behind the inferior pubic ligament and gives origin to muscular, inferior, haemorrhoidal and perineal artery.