Summary

The internal iliac artery (IIA), or hypogastric artery, constitutes the main vascular axis of the subperitoneal pelvic space and exhibits considerable anatomical variability. This variability represents a constant challenge in pelvic surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphometry and branching patterns of the IIA through systematic cadaveric dissection.A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 formalin-fixed cadaveric specimens. Conventional dissection techniques were used to expose the artery. Morphometric parameters, including total length, diameter, and functional length, were measured using a digital caliper. The vertebral level of origin, its relationship with the ureter, and branching patterns were recorded and classified according to the criteria of Adachi and, in specific cases, Yamaki. The mean length of the IIA was 35.7 mm, with a wide range of variability. The mean diameter at origin was 8.93 mm. The most frequent level of origin corresponded to the inferior border of L5. The ureter was most commonly located anterolateral to the artery (76.5%), although other positional variants were identified. According to Adachi’s classification, Type 1a was the most frequent pattern, followed by less common variants including Type 1b, Type 2a, and Type 3. A Yamaki Type C pattern was observed in a small proportion of cases. These findings confirm the anatomical variability of the internal iliac artery in terms of dimensions, branching patterns, and its relationship with the ureter. This variability is relevant in the context of pelvic surgical procedures and highlights the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge.

Keywords

Anatomical variations, Morphometry, Internal iliac artery, Pelvic anatomy, Surgical anatomy

Summary

The saphenous nerve is one of the terminal branches of the femoral nerve, originating from the L2, L3, and L4 roots. It is a sensory nerve responsible for the innervation of the medial and inferior aspects of the thigh, as well as the medial region of the leg and the knee. The saphenous nerve was dissected from its origin to its termination in a 56 kg male cadaver previously fixed with formaldehyde. Basic surgical instruments were used for the procedure. Measurements were obtained using electronic calipers and rulers, and images were captured using a Nikon D500 camera. The saphenous nerve bifurcated 14.17 cm from its origin into medial and lateral branches. The medial branch (branch 1) extended toward the medial region of the leg and, at 9 cm from its origin, formed a loop or foramen with a maximum length of 2.9 cm, allowing the passage of a perforating vein. The lateral branch (branch 2) followed the typical course, bifurcating 17.9 cm from its origin into a larger lateral branch that traversed the distal insertion tendon of the sartorius muscle, and a medial branch that gave rise to several small nerve filaments supplying the knee. We interpret the initial bifurcation as an atypical high terminal division of the nerve into its terminal branches: the infrapatellar branch (branch 2) and a sensory component composed of fibers from the terminal tibial branch and the femoral and tibial collateral branches described by Rouvière (branch 1).

Keywords

Femoral nerve, Innervation, Sartorius muscle, Thigh