External iliac artery
# External iliac artery

The external iliac arteries are two major arteries which bifurcate off the common iliac arteries anterior to the sacroiliac joint of the pelvis.

## Structure

The external iliac artery arises from the bifurcation of the common iliac artery. They proceed anterior and inferior along the medial border of the psoas major muscles. They exit the pelvic girdle posterior and inferior to the inguinal ligament. This occurs about one third laterally from the insertion point of the inguinal ligament on the pubic tubercle. At this point they are referred to as the femoral arteries.

### Branches

| Branch | Description |
| - | - |
| Inferior epigastric artery | Goes upward to anastomose with superior epigastric artery (a branch of internal thoracic artery). |
| Deep circumflex iliac artery | Goes laterally, travelling along the iliac crest of the pelvic bone. |
| Femoral artery | Terminal branch. When the external iliac artery passes posterior to the inguinal ligament, its name changes to femoral artery. |

## Function

The external iliac artery provides the main blood supply to the legs. It passes down along the brim of the pelvis and gives off two large branches - the "inferior epigastric artery" and a "deep circumflex artery." These vessels supply blood to the muscles and skin in the lower abdominal wall. The external iliac artery passes beneath the inguinal ligament in the lower part of the abdomen and becomes the femoral artery.

## Clinical significance

The external iliac artery is usually the artery used to attach the renal artery to the recipient of a kidney transplant.

## Additional images

* Bifurcation of the aorta and the right common iliac artery - side view. (External iliac artery is artery at upper left, seen splitting from common iliac artery at top.)
* The relations of the femoral and abdominal inguinal rings, seen from within the abdomen. Right side. (External iliac artery is large artery at center, and inguinal ligament runs from upper right to lower left. When the artery crosses the ligament, it becomes the femoral artery.)
* The internal mammary artery and its branches.
* Dissection of side wall of pelvis showing sacral and pudendal plexuses.
* Sacral plexus of the right side.
* Posterior view of the anterior abdominal wall in its lower half. The peritoneum is in place, and the various cords are shining through.
* The spermatic cord in the inguinal canal.
* Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for arteries and inguinal canal.
* External iliac artery
* Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.
* Lumbar and sacral plexus. Deep dissection.Anterior view.
