Which arteries ascend in a tortuous course lateral to the uterus within the broad ligament and supply the cervix, vagina, uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes?

• A. Ovarian arteries
• B. Uterine arteries
• C. Arcuate vessels
• D. Internal pudendal arteries

Answer: (B)

Uterine arteries travel in a tortuous, upward course within the broad ligament along the lateral side of the uterus. They arise from the internal iliac arteries and move medially toward the uterus, giving branches to the cervix and vagina and tubal branches to the Fallopian tubes. Through connections with the ovarian arteries, they contribute to the blood supply of the ovaries as well. A helpful landmark is that the ureter passes underneath the uterine artery, hence “water under the bridge.” Because of their position in the broad ligament and their distribution to the cervix, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes, these arteries are the ones described. Arcuate vessels lie within the myometrium, not in the broad ligament; ovarian arteries come from the aorta and descend to the ovaries; internal pudendal arteries supply the perineum.