The superior gluteal artery originates from the posterior trunk of the internal iliac artery in the pelvic cavity. It leaves the pelvic cavity with the superior gluteal nerve through the greater sciatic foramen above the piriformis muscle (Fig. 6.50). In the gluteal region, it divides into a superficial branch and a deep branch:
The superficial branch passes onto the deep surface of the gluteus maximus muscle.
The deep branch passes between the gluteus medius and minimus muscles.