Prostatic artery

The term "prostatic artery" is not an official term of the Terminologia Anatomica, as its anatomy is characterized by significant variability in its origin and branching patterns. The terms "prostatic branch" (of inferior vesical artery, or of middle anorectal artery) should be prefered.

The prostatic arteries typically arise from the internal iliac artery or its branches. The most common origins include the internal pudendal artery, the superior vesical artery, and the obturator artery.

The prostatic arterial supply is generally divided into two main pedicles: the superior and inferior prostatic pedicles. The superior prostatic pedicle is the primary source of blood supply to the prostate and also provides branches to the inferior bladder and the ejaculatory system. The inferior prostatic pedicle forms a plexus at the prostatic apex and anastomoses with the superior pedicle.[1]

Studies have shown that the prostatic arteries can originate from various sources, including the internal pudendal artery (34.1%), a common trunk with the superior vesical artery (20.1%), the anterior common gluteal-pudendal trunk (17.8%), the obturator artery (12.6%), and a common trunk with rectal branches (8.4%).[2] This variability necessitates careful pre-procedural imaging and planning, especially for interventions like prostatic artery embolization.