Obturator Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The obturator artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery which arises in the pelvis. It supplies structures in the pelvis and medial thigh regions. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The obturator artery arises from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery within the pelvis. It then descends anteroinferiorly onto the lateral pelvic wall to reach the obturator foramen. It gives rise to several branches within the pelvis: Iliac branches Vesical artery Pubic branch At the obturator foramen, the obturator artery leaves the pelvic cavity via the obturator canal and enters the medial thigh. Here it terminates by bifurcating into two branches: Anterior branch – anastomoses with the posterior branch of the obturator and medial circumflex femoral arteries. Posterior branch – anastomoses with the anterior branch of the obturator and the inferior gluteal artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The obturator canal, formed by the obturator membrane within the obturator foramen of the pelvis. Supply The obturator artery supplies structures in the pelvis, medial thigh and gluteal regions. Pelvis branches: supply the iliacus muscle, urinary bladder, iliac and pubic bones. Extrapelvic branches – supply the muscles and skin of the medial thigh (pectineus, obturator externus, adductor muscles and gracilis) and the femoral head. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2Muscles of the medial thigh. The overlying muscles in the anterior compartment have been removed. Frequent questions What is the obturator artery and where does it originate? The obturator artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery that originates in the pelvis. It supplies blood to various structures in the pelvis and medial thigh. What are the main branches of the obturator artery? The obturator artery gives rise to several branches, including the iliac branches, vesical artery, and pubic branch. These branches supply different pelvic structures before the artery enters the medial thigh. How does the obturator artery course through the pelvis? The obturator artery descends anteroinferiorly along the lateral pelvic wall to reach the obturator foramen. It exits the pelvic cavity via the obturator canal to supply the medial thigh. What structures are supplied by the obturator artery? The obturator artery supplies the iliacus muscle, urinary bladder, and bones of the iliac and pubic regions. It also provides blood to the muscles and skin of the medial thigh, including the adductor muscles and gracilis. What is the significance of the bifurcation of the obturator artery? At the obturator foramen, the obturator artery bifurcates into an anterior and a posterior branch. This bifurcation allows for anastomosis with other arteries, enhancing blood supply to the medial thigh and gluteal regions. Rate This Article