The following are the branches of the anterior division of internal iliac aery except
**Core Concept**
The internal iliac artery is a major artery that arises from the common iliac artery and supplies the pelvic region. It has two main divisions: the anterior division and the posterior division. The anterior division is responsible for supplying the anterior structures of the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and external genitalia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The anterior division of the internal iliac artery gives rise to several branches that supply the pelvic organs. The correct branches of the anterior division include the inferior vesical artery, middle rectal artery, and obturator artery. These branches arise from the anterior division due to their role in supplying the anterior structures of the pelvis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The superior gluteal artery is actually a branch of the posterior division of the internal iliac artery, not the anterior division. It supplies the gluteus maximus muscle and the gluteal region.
* **Option B:** The internal pudendal artery is a branch of the anterior division, but it supplies the external genitalia, which is a correct branch of the anterior division.
* **Option C:** The inferior gluteal artery is actually a branch of the posterior division of the internal iliac artery, not the anterior division. It supplies the gluteus maximus muscle and the gluteal region.
* **Option D:** The uterine artery is a branch of the anterior division, which supplies the uterus and the vagina.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the branches of the internal iliac artery vary between males and females. In males, the internal iliac artery gives rise to the inferior vesical artery, which supplies the bladder, whereas in females, it gives rise to the uterine artery, which supplies the uterus.
**Correct Answer: A. The superior gluteal artery is actually a branch of the posterior division of the internal iliac artery, not the anterior division.**