The term "Hypogastric Artery" refers to a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the pelvis and reproductive organs. The word is pronounced /haɪ.pəʊˈɡæs.trɪk ˈɑː.tər.i/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word can be broken down into three parts: "Hypo-" meaning under or below, "gastric" meaning stomach, and "artery" meaning blood vessel. Together, this word represents the artery that is located below the stomach, supplying vital blood flow to the pelvic region.
The hypogastric artery is a major blood vessel located in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Specifically, it is an arterial blood vessel that arises from the abdominal aorta, just below the level of the renal arteries. The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdominal cavity, supplying oxygenated blood to various organs and tissues in the abdominal region.
The hypogastric artery branches off from the abdominal aorta, descending downwards towards the pelvis. Once it reaches the pelvis, it divides into two main branches known as the right and left common iliac arteries. These iliac arteries further divide into smaller arteries, which supply blood to the pelvic organs, pelvic muscles, and lower extremities.
The hypogastric artery is an essential component of the circulatory system, delivering oxygen-rich blood to the pelvic region. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and proper functioning of organs and tissues within the lower abdomen and pelvis. Any disruptions or blockages within the hypogastric artery can lead to significant health issues, such as reduced blood flow, ischemia, and organ dysfunction. Clinically, medical professionals may utilize various imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or angiography, to evaluate the condition of the hypogastric artery and diagnose any potential abnormalities.
See under arteria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "hypogastric artery" can be understood by breaking it down into its constituent parts:
- "Hypo-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "hypo", meaning "under" or "below".
- "Gastric" is an adjective derived from the Latin word "gaster", meaning "belly" or "stomach".
- "Artery" is a noun derived from the Latin word "arteria", which originally referred to a windpipe or bronchus, but now signifies the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Combining these parts, the term "hypogastric artery" refers to an artery situated below the stomach region, specifically in the lower abdomen.