34 Internal pudendal artery
34.1 Anatomy
At its origin in the pelvis, the internal pudendal artery (Fig. 34.1) crosses anterior to the piriformis and the sacral plexus. It leaves the pelvis by the inferior rim of the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis. It then curves around the lateral surface of the ischial spine to enter the perineum by the lesser sciatic foramen.
34.1.1 Alcock’s canal
Those who care for patients with pudendal nerve neuralgia are well aware of Alcock’s canal (in earlier times, the pudendal canal) (Fig. 34.2).
