External iliac artery
Arteria iliaca externa
The external iliac artery is the larger terminal branch of the common iliac artery. It runs along the medial border of psoas on the pelvic brim and passes under the inguinal ligament at the mid-inguinal point, where it becomes the femoral artery.
Overview
The external iliac artery runs along the pelvic brim on the medial edge of psoas. The external iliac vein lies on its medial side, and the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve on its lateral side. The ductus deferens (or the round ligament of the uterus) crosses over it at the deep inguinal ring.
Just before the inguinal ligament it gives off its two branches. The inferior epigastric artery runs up just medial to the deep inguinal ring, raising a fold of peritoneum called the lateral umbilical fold. It forms the lateral border of Hesselbach's (inguinal) triangle. The deep circumflex iliac artery runs laterally along the iliac crest.
Anatomy
- Branches
The inferior epigastric artery, which gives the cremasteric artery and the pubic branch, and the deep circumflex iliac artery.
Function
- Carries the main blood supply to the lower limb.
- Supplies the lower anterior abdominal wall through the inferior epigastric artery.
Clinical significance
Inguinal hernia landmark
The inferior epigastric artery separates the two types of inguinal hernia. An indirect hernia enters the deep ring lateral to the artery. A direct hernia bulges through Hesselbach's triangle medial to it.
Kidney transplantation
A transplanted kidney is placed in the iliac fossa. Its artery is joined to the external iliac artery and its vein to the external iliac vein.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.