umbilical artery

Introduction

Before birth the umbilical arteries carry blood from the fetus to the placenta for reoxygenation. Postnatally their distal parts atrophy & form fibrous cords - medial umbilical ligaments.

Origin

Anterior division of internal iliac artery

Course

• obliterates, becoming medial umbilical ligament after running a short pelvic course during which it gives rise to superior vesical arteries

Branches

• superior vesical arteries

Distribution

• superior aspect of urinary bladder (via superior vesical arteries);
• occasionally artery to ductus deferens (males)

More general terms

• artery

Additional terms

• medial umbilical fold; plica umbilicalis medialis; plica hypogastrica