Beckenäste

Beckenäste is a German term used in anatomy to denote the arterial branches that supply the pelvic cavity and perineum. These arteries are primarily derived from the internal iliac artery, which divides within the pelvis into anterior and posterior divisions. The anterior division supplies most pelvic organs and perineal structures through several arteries: the superior vesical (often arising with the umbilical), the inferior vesical in males or vaginal artery in females, the uterine artery in females, the middle rectal artery, the obturator artery, the internal pudendal artery, and the inferior gluteal artery. The posterior division provides branches to the pelvic walls and posterior structures, notably the iliolumbar artery, the lateral sacral arteries, and the superior gluteal artery. Variations in branching are common; arteries may originate from common trunks or share origins, and the paths of the vaginal, uterine, or vesical arteries can differ between individuals and sexes.

Functionally, the Beckenäste supply the bladder, rectum, pelvic organs, perineum, gluteal region, and pelvic walls, supporting both autonomic and somatic vascular needs of the pelvic contents. Their pattern is clinically significant in pelvic surgery, obstetric procedures, and interventional radiology, including embolization for postpartum hemorrhage, treatment of pelvic tumors, and management of pelvic trauma. Awareness of potential anatomic variants aids in planning and reduces intraoperative bleeding risk. Etymologically, the term Beckenäste reflects the concept of pelvic branches, encompassing the network of arteries that vascularize the pelvic cavity and its contents.