Prostate is supplied by all the following aeries except
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder. Its blood supply comes from several arteries. The main ones I remember are the inferior vesical artery, which is a branch of the internal iliac artery. Then there's the middle rectal artery, also from the internal iliac. The superior rectal artery, though it's more for the rectum, might contribute via anastomosis. Also, the internal pudendal artery could send some branches, but I'm not sure if it's a major supplier. The external iliac artery is part of the external iliac system, but does it supply the prostate? Wait, the external iliac is more for the lower limb and external genitalia. The internal iliac is the main one for pelvic organs. So if the options include the external iliac artery, that's the one that's not supplying the prostate. Let me check the options again. The correct answer is D, which is the external iliac artery. The other options would be the inferior vesical, middle rectal, and maybe the internal pudendal. Wait, but internal pudendal is part of internal iliac. So if the options are A: inferior vesical, B: middle rectal, C: internal pudendal, D: external iliac, then D is the correct answer. The external iliac artery doesn't supply the prostate. The key here is knowing that the internal iliac arteries are the main suppliers, and external iliac is part of the external system, which is for the legs and external genitalia. So the exception is the external iliac artery.
**Core Concept**
The prostate gland receives its arterial supply from branches of the internal iliac artery. Key arteries include the inferior vesical, middle rectal, and internal pudendal arteries. The external iliac artery is not a direct supplier, as it primarily serves the lower limb and external genitalia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The **external iliac artery** (Option D) does not supply the prostate. It is a continuation of the common iliac artery and divides into the femoral artery, providing blood to the lower limb. The prostate’s blood supply originates exclusively from the internal iliac artery’s branches, such as the inferior vesical artery (major supplier), middle rectal artery, and internal pudendal artery. The external iliac is anatomically distinct and does not contribute to pelvic organ perfusion.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A: Inferior vesical artery** – Incorrect. This is the primary arterial supply to the prostate, arising from the internal iliac artery.
**Option B: Middle rectal artery** – Incorrect. It contributes to the prostate’s posterior aspect via anastomosis with the inferior vesical artery.
**Option C: Internal pudendal artery** – Incorrect. While it supplies perineal structures, it may provide minor collateral flow to the prostate.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember: The **internal iliac artery** is the "pelvic ring" artery, supplying all pelvic organs. The external iliac