Common iliac artery

Arteria iliaca communis

CardiovascularBlood vesselsPelvisLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is
One of the two terminal branches of the aorta, from its bifurcation at L4 running down and outwards to divide in front of the sacroiliac joint (L5/S1) into the external and internal iliac arteries.
Function
Carries blood to the pelvis and the lower limb.
Size
~4–5 cm long, ~1 cm diameter.
Clinical note
The right common iliac artery crosses in front of the start of the inferior vena cava; iliac narrowing causes buttock and thigh claudication.

Nearby cardiovascular structures External iliac artery, External iliac vein, Internal iliac artery, Left common iliac vein, Right common iliac vein