Which of the following is/are anterior branches of internal iliac artery -a) Ilio-lumbar arteryb) Inferior gluteal arteryc) Superior vesical arteryd) Obturator arterye) Lateral sacral artery
**Core Concept**
The internal iliac artery is a major branch of the common iliac artery, supplying blood to the pelvic region. It divides into anterior and posterior divisions, each giving rise to several important branches. The anterior division primarily supplies the pelvic viscera.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer includes branches that arise from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. The **obturator artery**, **inferior gluteal artery**, and **superior vesical artery** are all known to originate from the anterior division, providing blood supply to the pelvic organs and structures. The **inferior gluteal artery** supplies the gluteal region, while the **obturator artery** supplies the medial compartment of the thigh.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The ilio-lumbar artery is actually a posterior branch of the internal iliac artery, making it incorrect in this context.
**Option E:** The lateral sacral artery can arise from either the posterior division or directly from the internal iliac artery, but it's not exclusively an anterior branch.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remembering that the anterior division of the internal iliac artery supplies the majority of the pelvic viscera is crucial. The **obturator artery** and **inferior gluteal artery** are key branches in this division, highlighting their importance in pelvic and lower limb circulation.
**Correct Answer:** D. obturator artery, inferior gluteal artery, superior vesical artery