Origin The superior gluteal artery is the largest and final branch of the
internal iliac artery. It branches from the posterior division of the internal iliac artery; it represents the continuation of the posterior division.
Course, relations and branches It is a short artery. It passes posterior-ward between the
lumbosacral trunk and the first sacral nerve (S1). Within the pelvis, it gives branches to the
iliacus,
piriformis, and
obturator internus muscles. Just prior to exiting the pelvic cavity, it also gives off a nutrient artery which enters the ilium. It exits the pelvis through the
greater sciatic foramen It contributes to anastomoses at the anterior superior iliac spine and the hip joint. ==Additional images==