The uterine aery is a branch of ?

The uterine aery is a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac aery. It first runs medially towards the cervix, crossing the ureter above the lateral fornix of the vagina and 2 cm lateral to the cervix. Then the aery ascends along the side of the uterus, with a touous course. Finally, it runs laterally towards the hilus of the ovary, and ends by anastomosing with the ovarian aery. The touosity of the aery permits expansion of the uterus during pregnancy. Ref : B D Chaurasia's Human Anatomy , seventh edition , volume 2 , pg. no., 417.