Deep circumflex iliac artery

Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery

Deep circumflex iliac artery

The Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery (DCIA) is a significant artery located in the pelvis. It is a branch of the external iliac artery, and it supplies blood to the iliac fossa and the iliac muscle.

Anatomy

The DCIA arises from the lateral side of the external iliac artery, near the inguinal ligament. It ascends obliquely to the anterior superior iliac spine, passing beneath the iliacus muscle and the transversus abdominis muscle. It then descends along the inner lip of the iliac crest to the iliolumbar artery.

Clinical Significance

The DCIA is often used in microsurgical procedures, such as free flap reconstruction. Its consistent anatomy and long pedicle make it a reliable choice for these procedures. However, injury to the DCIA can result in significant hemorrhage.

See Also

• External iliac artery
• Iliac crest
• Iliolumbar artery