The uterine artery is a blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the uterus. It branches off from the internal iliac artery and travels along the side of the uterus, providing essential nutrients for its function and health. This artery plays a crucial role during pregnancy, as it increases blood flow to support the growing fetus. In addition to the uterus, the uterine artery also supplies blood to nearby structures, including the cervix and part of the vagina. Understanding the uterine artery is important in fields like obstetrics and gynecology, where it is relevant for procedures such as hysterectomy and uterine artery embolization.