External iliac artery

External iliac artery
Bifurcation of the aorta and the right common iliac artery - side view. (External iliac artery is artery at upper left, seen splitting from common iliac artery at top.)
The relations of the femoral and abdominal inguinal rings, seen from within the abdomen. Right side. (External iliac artery is large artery at center, and inguinal ligament runs from upper right to lower left. When the artery crosses the ligament, it becomes the femoral artery.)
Details
Source	common iliac arteries
Branches	femoral arteries, inferior epigastric arteries
Vein	external iliac veins
Identifiers
Latin	arteria iliaca externa
Dorlands /Elsevier	a_61/12154552
TA	A12.2.16.002
FMA	18805
Anatomical terminology []

The external iliac arteries are two major arteries which bifurcate off the common iliac arteries anterior to the sacroiliac joint of the pelvis. They proceed anterior and inferior along the medial border of the psoas major muscles. They exit the pelvic girdle posterior and inferior to the inguinal ligament about one third laterally from the insertion point of the inguinal ligament on the pubic tubercle at which point they are referred to as the femoral arteries. The external iliac artery is usually the artery used to attach the renal artery to the recipient of a kidney transplant.

The external iliac artery arises from the bifurcation of the common iliac artery. It travels inferiorly, anteriorly, and laterally, making its way to the lower limb:

The abdominal aorta divides to form the "common iliac arteries" in the lower abdomen, and these vessels supply blood to the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and legs. Each common iliac artery descends a short distance and divides into an internal and an external branch. The external iliac artery provides the main blood supply to the legs. It passes down along the brim of the pelvis and gives off two large branches - the "inferior epigastric artery" and a "deep circumflex artery." These vessels supply blood to the muscles and skin in the lower abdominal wall. The external iliac artery passes beneath the inguinal ligament in the lower part of the abdomen and becomes the femoral artery.

The internal mammary artery and its branches.

Dissection of side wall of pelvis showing sacral and pudendal plexuses.

Sacral plexus of the right side.

Posterior view of the anterior abdominal wall in its lower half. The peritoneum is in place, and the various cords are shining through.

The spermatic cord in the inguinal canal.

Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for arteries and inguinal canal.

External iliac artery

Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.

Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.