Superior Gluteal Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The superior gluteal artery is a terminal branch of the internal iliac artery. It contributes to the blood supply of structures within the pelvis and gluteal region. 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 superior gluteal artery arises within the pelvis as the terminal branch of the posterior trunk of the internal iliac artery. It passes posteriorly, between the lumbosacral trunk and S1 nerve root, before leaving the pelvic cavity via the greater sciatic foramen. It enters the gluteal region superiorly to the piriformis muscle, and then divides into two main branches: Superficial branch – travels between the superficial surface of gluteal medius and the deep surface of gluteus maximus. Deep branch – travels deep to the gluteus medius and subdivides into superior and inferior branches: The superior division extends superiorly along the gluteus minimus and eventually anastomoses with the deep iliac circumflex artery and the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. The inferior division extends across the gluteus minimus in an oblique manner. It supplies branches to the gluteal muscles and eventually anastomoses with the lateral femoral circumflex artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Superior and inferior gluteal arteries. Supply The superior gluteal artery contributes to the blood supply of the following structures: Skin and muscle of the gluteal region – gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, piriformis, obturator internus, quadratus femoris. Head of the femur Tensor fascia lata Frequent questions What is the superior gluteal artery? The superior gluteal artery is a terminal branch of the internal iliac artery that supplies blood to the pelvis and gluteal region. It plays a crucial role in providing oxygenated blood to various muscles and structures in this area. Where does the superior gluteal artery originate? The superior gluteal artery arises in the pelvis as the terminal branch of the posterior trunk of the internal iliac artery. It then passes posteriorly between the lumbosacral trunk and S1 nerve root before exiting the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen. What structures are supplied by the superior gluteal artery? The superior gluteal artery supplies blood to the skin and muscles of the gluteal region, including the gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, piriformis, obturator internus, and quadratus femoris. Additionally, it provides blood flow to the head of the femur and the tensor fascia lata. How does the superior gluteal artery branch? Once in the gluteal region, the superior gluteal artery divides into two main branches: the superficial branch and the deep branch. The superficial branch travels between the gluteus medius and maximus, while the deep branch further divides into superior and inferior divisions that supply the gluteal muscles. What is the clinical significance of the superior gluteal artery? The superior gluteal artery is clinically significant as it supplies essential blood flow to key muscles in the hip region. Understanding its course and branches is important in surgical procedures and for diagnosing conditions related to the gluteal area. Rate This Article