External iliac vein

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External iliac vein is a major vein in the human body that primarily facilitates the drainage of blood from the lower limbs back to the heart. It is a vital component of the venous system, playing a crucial role in the circulatory system's function of returning deoxygenated blood to the heart for reoxygenation.

Anatomy

The external iliac vein is formed at the level of the inguinal ligament, where the femoral vein becomes the external iliac vein as it passes upward into the abdominal cavity. It runs along the edge of the pelvis, parallel to the external iliac artery, but is located posteriorly to it. The vein then continues its ascent to join with the internal iliac vein, forming the common iliac vein. This confluence typically occurs at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

Function

The primary function of the external iliac vein is to drain blood from the lower extremities. It accomplishes this by receiving venous blood from the legs and lower pelvis, which is then transported upwards towards the heart. The vein plays a critical role in the body's venous return system, ensuring that deoxygenated blood is efficiently returned to the heart for oxygenation.

Clinical Significance

The external iliac vein is of significant clinical importance due to its role in various medical conditions. It can be involved in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous insufficiency. DVT in the external iliac vein can lead to significant morbidity, including the risk of pulmonary embolism if a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. Additionally, the vein is a critical site for the placement of vascular catheters and stents in various medical procedures, including during dialysis or as part of a venous access procedure.

Surgical Considerations

During surgical procedures involving the pelvis or lower abdomen, care must be taken to avoid injury to the external iliac vein due to its proximity to major surgical landmarks. Its location and relation to the external iliac artery make it susceptible to injury during surgeries such as lymph node dissection, hernia repair, and other pelvic surgeries. Knowledge of its anatomy is crucial for surgeons to prevent complications such as bleeding or venous injury.

See Also

• Vein
• Circulatory system
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Venous insufficiency