How does the internal pudendal artery exit the pelvis?

How does the internal pudendal artery exit the pelvis?

• A. Through the sacral hiatus
• B. Through the greater sciatic foramen, inferior to piriformis
• C. Through the lesser sciatic foramen
• D. Through the obturator canal

Answer: (B)

The internal pudendal artery exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, located inferior to the piriformis muscle. After passing through this foramen, it loops around the sacrospinous ligament and re-enters the perineum via the lesser sciatic foramen, then travels in Alcock’s canal with the pudendal nerve to supply perineal structures. This exit route aligns with its role in reaching the perineum, unlike structures that pass through the sacral hiatus or the obturator canal.

The internal pudendal artery exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, located inferior to the piriformis muscle. After passing through this foramen, it loops around the sacrospinous ligament and re-enters the perineum via the lesser sciatic foramen, then travels in Alcock’s canal with the pudendal nerve to supply perineal structures. This exit route aligns with its role in reaching the perineum, unlike structures that pass through the sacral hiatus or the obturator canal.