External iliac artery

The external iliac artery is a major artery in the human body. It originates from the common iliac artery, near the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The external iliac artery provides the main blood supply to the legs. It travels down the posterior abdominal wall, anterior to the hip joint, and ends in the upper thigh where it becomes the femoral artery.

Anatomy

The external iliac artery is the larger terminal branch of the common iliac artery. It begins at the level of the lumbosacral disc, and ends behind the inguinal ligament, midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the symphysis pubis, where it becomes the femoral artery.

Branches

The external iliac artery gives off two branches: the inferior epigastric artery and the deep circumflex iliac artery.

Inferior epigastric artery

The inferior epigastric artery arises from the external iliac artery just above the inguinal ligament. It ascends obliquely upward, in the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, to the anterior wall of the abdomen.

Deep circumflex iliac artery

The deep circumflex iliac artery arises from the lateral side of the external iliac artery nearly opposite the inferior epigastric artery. It ascends obliquely lateralward behind the inguinal ligament, contained in a fibrous sheath formed by the junction of the transversalis fascia and iliac fascia.

Clinical significance

The external iliac artery is often involved in atherosclerotic disease. It can be involved in arterial embolism, aneurysm, or arterial dissection. It is also often used as a site for arterial cannulation in cardiac catheterization.

See also

• Common iliac artery
• Femoral artery
• Inferior epigastric artery
• Deep circumflex iliac artery

References

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