Within the broad ligament, which arteries ascend to supply the cervix, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes?

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

Answer: (B)

The arteries that ascend within the broad ligament to nourish the cervix, uterus, vagina, and to connect with the ovaries and Fallopian tubes are the uterine arteries. Originating from the internal iliac arteries, they travel upward inside the base of the broad ligament along the lateral border of the uterus. As they ascend, they give branches to the cervix and vagina and continue to supply the body of the uterus. They also form anastomoses with ovarian arteries, helping to provide arterial supply to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The ovarian arteries, in contrast, run with the suspensory ligament of the ovary toward the ovaries and tubes and are not the vessels that course within the broad ligament to lift supply to the uterus itself. Arcuate vessels are deeper in the myometrium, not within the broad ligament, and the internal pudendal arteries primarily feed the perineum and lower vagina rather than ascend to supply the uterus.