The Dorsal Artery of the Penis is the terminating artery of the internal pudic; it ascends between the crus penis and symphysis pubis, then advances in front of the sub-pubic ligament, and through the substance of the suspensory ligament of the penis, to arrive in the longitudinal groove on the upper surface of the corpus cavernosum. As it advances in this groove, it supplies the integuments and fibrous layer of the corpus cavernosum. Having arrived as far as the glans penis, it communicates with its fellow of the opposite side, both above and below, so as to form a vascular ring, from which vessels are detached to the glans and the prepuce. The corresponding nerve accompanies the artery lying on its outside; and the dorsal vein, which is common to both arteries, is found on the middle line between them.

In the female, the terminating branches of the pudic artery are distributed in an analogous manner; that is, one branch is distributed on the dorsum of the clitoris, and the other terminates in its corpus cavernosum.

* Baly's Trans, of Muller's Physiology, vol. i. p. 226.

Fig. 55. Represents the distribution of some of the brandies of the Pudic Artery in the Female.

1, The Coccyx. 2, 2, The Tuberosities of the Ischia. 3, The Mons Veneris. 4, The left Labium. 6, Clitoris. 6, Prepuce of Clitoris. 7, 7, The Labia Minora. 8, Orifice of Urethra. 9, Entrance to Vagina. 10, The Anus. 11, 11, Superficial Sphineter. 12, 12, The Levatores Ani Muscles. 13,13, The Transversalis Alter Muscle of each side. 14, 14, The Transversales Perinei Muscles. 15, 15, Constrictor of Vagina. 16, 16, The Ischio Cavernosa Muscles. 17, 17, The Great Glutaei Muscles, a. Continuation of the Internal Pudic Artery of the right side, b, b, b, b, External Haemorrhoidal Arteries, c, Twig passing over the Tuberosity of the Ischium, d, Deep Perineal Artery, e, Branch to the Great Labium, f, f, Artery of the Clitoris, g, Continuation of Internal Pudic Artery of left side, h, Transverse Artery of the Perineum.

We shall now examine the branches of the internal iliac which remain within the pelvis.