Vessel
Common iliac artery
Terminal branch of the aorta
High-yield
Aorta bifurcates into common iliacs at L4; each divides into internal (pelvis) and external (lower limb) iliac arteries.
Overview
One of the paired terminal branches of the abdominal aorta that divides into internal and external iliac arteries to supply the pelvis and lower limb.
Reference facts
- Type
Muscular artery
- Origin
Abdominal aorta bifurcation (L4)
- Branches / tributaries
Internal iliac artery; External iliac artery
- Supplies
Pelvis, gluteal region, and lower limb
- Course
Runs inferolaterally from the aortic bifurcation to the pelvic brim, where it divides anterior to the sacroiliac joint