What artery is associated with the pudendal nerve?

The correct association of the pudendal nerve is with the internal pudendal artery. This is because the internal pudendal artery supplies blood to the structures innervated by the pudendal nerve, which is primarily responsible for the sensory and motor innervation of the perineum. The artery branches off from the internal iliac artery and follows a similar path to that of the pudendal nerve as it exits the pelvis, making them closely related anatomically and functionally.

The internal pudendal artery is critical for the vascular supply to the external genitalia, anal region, and pelvic floor muscles, which are all areas served by the pudendal nerve. This close relationship underscores the importance of the internal pudendal artery in clinical situations involving nerve injury or repair in the region.

Understanding this connection is vital for surgical planning, especially in procedures involving the pelvis or in the management of conditions affecting sexual function or continence.