External iliac artery

Arteria iliaca externa

CardiovascularBlood vesselsPelvisLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is

Follows the pelvic brim along the medial border of psoas to pass beneath the inguinal ligament at the mid-inguinal point, where it becomes the femoral artery; gives the inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac arteries.

Function

Carries blood to the lower limb and the lower anterior abdominal wall.

Size

~10 cm long, ~8–10 mm diameter.

Clinical note

Commonly used for inflow when a kidney transplant is placed in the iliac fossa.