Deep branch of superior gluteal artery
Ramus profundus arteriae gluteae superioris
- Related terms: Deep branch
Definition
The deep branch of superior gluteal artery lies under the Gluteus medius and almost immediately subdivides into two.:
The superior branch, continuing the original course of the vessel, passes along the upper border of the Gluteus minimus to the anterior superior spine of the ilium, anastomosing with the deep iliac circumflex artery and the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery.
The inferior branch crosses the Gluteus minimus obliquely to the greater trochanter, distributing branches to the Glutæi and anastomoses with the lateral femoral circumflex artery. Some branches pierce the Gluteus minimus and supply the hip-joint.
References
This definition incorporates text from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy (20th U.S. edition of Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body, published in 1918 – from http://www.bartleby.com/107/).