Anatomic characterisation of the parietal branches arising from the internal iliac artery in the foetal pig (Sus scrofa domestica)

Background: It is critical for surgeons to have a full understanding of the complex courses and ramifications of the human internal iliac artery and its parietal branches. Although numerous anatomical studies have been performed, not all variations at this site are currently understood. Therefore, we characterised these blood vessels in foetal pigs to provide additional insight from a comparative anatomical perspective. Materials and methods: Eighteen half-pelvis specimens from foetal pigs were dissected and examined on macroscopic scale. Results: Among our findings, we identified the internal iliac artery as a descending branch of the abdominal aorta. A very thick umbilical artery arose from the internal iliac artery. The superior gluteal, inferior gluteal, and internal pudendal arteries formed the common arterial trunk. Although the superior gluteal artery emerged from the common trunk from inside the pelvis, the inferior gluteal and internal pudendal arteries bifurcated at deep layer within the gluteus muscles after leaving pelvic cavity. We were unable to detect an typical obturator artery emerging from the internal iliac artery. A branch supplying the hip adductors was identified as arising from the inferior epigastric artery which itself was derived from the distal end of the external iliac artery. Conclusions: We identified the anatomic characteristics of the internal iliac artery and its parietal branches in the foetal pig. Our findings provide new insight into the comparative anatomy of the internal iliac artery and will promote understanding of related morphogenetic processes.