Internal iliac vein

The internal iliac veins.

The Internal Iliac Vein (hypogastric vein) is a large vein that drains blood from the pelvis and lower limbs. It is paired, with one vein on each side of the body, and it is a direct continuation of the veins of the lower limb.

Structure

The internal iliac vein begins near the upper part of the greater sciatic foramen, passes upward behind and slightly medial to the internal iliac artery and, at the brim of the pelvis, joins with the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein.

Function

The internal iliac vein drains blood from the pelvis and lower limbs. It receives blood from several tributaries, including the gluteal veins, pudendal veins, vesical veins, uterine veins (in females), and prostatic veins (in males).

Clinical significance

Knowledge of the internal iliac vein is important in several medical and surgical procedures, including pelvic surgery, lumbar puncture, and catheterization.

See also

• Vein
• Iliac vein
• Common iliac vein
• External iliac vein

External links

• Anatomy Atlases - Anatomic Variants in the Human Body: Cardiovascular System

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