Vulva is supplied by which artery?
The main arteries in the pelvis that come to mind are the internal iliac arteries. Their branches include the uterine, vaginal, and internal pudendal arteries. Wait, the internal pudendal artery is a key player here. It gives off the dorsal artery of the clitoris and the perineal artery, which supply the vulva. Let me confirm that. Yes, the internal pudendal artery is the primary supplier to the vulva, including the clitoris, labia, and perineum.
Now, the options are missing, but common distractors in such questions might be other branches of the internal iliac artery, like the uterine artery, or even arteries from the external iliac, like the superficial external pudendal. Also, the ovarian artery might be a distractor. The uterine artery, part of the uterine artery, is more involved in the uterus and upper vagina, not the vulva. The superficial external pudendal artery comes from the femoral artery and supplies the skin of the lower abdomen and medial thigh, not the vulva. The ovarian artery comes from the abdominal aorta and supplies the ovary, not the vulva.
So the correct answer should be the internal pudendal artery. I need to structure the explanation with the core concept being the arterial supply of the vulva. Then explain why the internal pudendal is correct, and why other options like uterine, ovarian, or superficial external pudendal are wrong. The clinical pearl would be that the internal pudendal artery is the main supplier, and students should remember the branches it gives off. Also, note that the external pudendal artery is a different branch from the femoral, not to be confused with the internal pudendal.
**Core Concept** The vulva receives its arterial supply from the internal pudendal artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery. This artery provides blood to the external genitalia via its terminal branches, including the dorsal artery of the clitoris and the perineal artery.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right** The internal pudendal artery (a branch of the internal iliac artery) is the primary supplier to the vulva. It traverses the lesser sciatic foramen and divides into the **dorsal artery of the clitoris** (supplying the clitoris and labia minora) and the **perineal artery** (supplying the labia majora and mons pubis). These branches ensure adequate perfusion to the vulvar skin, subcutaneous tissue, and associated structures.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A: Uterine artery** β Supplies the uterus, upper vagina, and fallopian tubes but not the vulva.
**Option B: Ovarian artery** β Arises from the abdominal aorta and supplies the ovary and adjacent fallopian tube.
**Option C: Superficial external pudendal artery** β A branch