Iliocostalis thoracis

Iliac vessels refer to the large blood vessels in the pelvis that supply blood to the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and legs. They include the common iliac artery, internal iliac artery, external iliac artery, common iliac vein, internal iliac vein, and external iliac vein.

Anatomy

The iliac vessels originate from the aorta and inferior vena cava, the main artery and vein of the body, respectively. The aorta bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. Each common iliac artery then divides into an internal and external iliac artery. The internal iliac artery supplies blood to the pelvic organs and gluteal region, while the external iliac artery continues as the femoral artery to supply the leg.

The common iliac veins are formed by the union of the internal and external iliac veins. They drain blood from the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and legs, and unite to form the inferior vena cava.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the iliac vessels can lead to serious health problems. For example, atherosclerosis of the iliac arteries can cause claudication, a condition characterized by leg pain during exercise. Aneurysm of the iliac artery, although rare, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur in the iliac veins, which can lead to pulmonary embolism if the blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs.

See also

• Aorta
• Inferior vena cava
• Pelvis
• Femoral artery
• Atherosclerosis
• Aneurysm
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism