Abstract

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF ARTAVAVAHA DHAMANĪ IN RELATION TO THE VASCULAR SUPPLY OF FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

Dr. Mrunal Wankhade*, Dr. Sugandha Verma, M. D. (Ayu.), Dr. Parameswaran S. M. D. (Ayu)

Abstract

Background: Artavavaha Dhamanī is frequently equated with the uterine arteries, ovarian arteries, or uterine tubes, yet these one-to-one identifications do not adequately explain the classical text or the distributed vascular anatomy of the female reproductive tract. Objective: To examine the classical description of Artavavaha Dhamanī and develop a reasoned anatomical correlation with the blood supply of the uterus, endometrium, ovaries, uterine tubes, cervix, and vagina. Methods: A structured narrative review was undertaken using the Suśruta Saṃhitā, major editions and translations, peer-reviewed Ayurvedic discussions, standard anatomical sources, and contemporary studies of uterine, ovarian, tubal, and endometrial vasculature. Classical terms were interpreted by textual context, function, laterality, injury effects, and compatibility with observed anatomy rather than by lexical resemblance alone. Results: The strongest correlation is not a single named artery or the uterine tubes. It is a paired uterine –ovarian arterial axis and its anastomotic, organ-specific branches. Within this network, uterine arteries and the arcuate–radial–basal/spiral arterial tree provide the most direct substrate for visible menstrual Artava; ovarian and tubal branches account for follicular function, ovum transport, collateral perfusion, and fertility. The classical injury signs-infertility, intolerance of intercourse, and loss of Artava-are compatible with severe injury to this integrated pelvic reproductive unit but are not specific for obstruction of one vessel. Conclusion: Artavavaha Dhamanī is best understood as a functionally defined, bilateral reproductive arterial network centred on uterine–ovarian inflow and endometrial microcirculation. This model preserves the conceptual boundaries between Dhamanī and Srotas, explains the plurality of reproductive functions, and avoids the anatomical errors that rigid equivalence creates.

Keywords: Artava; Artavavaha Dhamanī; Artavavaha Srotas; uterine artery; ovarian artery; endometrial vasculature; female reproductive anatomy.