Vessel
External iliac artery
Main arterial route from the pelvis into the thigh
High-yield
The artery changes name at the inguinal ligament. Before reaching it, the inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac branches supply parts of the lower abdominal wall.
Overview
The external iliac artery carries blood from the common iliac artery toward the lower limb. It follows the pelvic brim beside psoas major, then continues beneath the inguinal ligament as the femoral artery.
Reference facts
- Origin
- One of the two principal terminal branches of the common iliac artery
- Course
- Courses along the medial border of psoas major and passes deep to the inguinal ligament into the thigh
- Branches
- Inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac arteries, with the femoral artery representing its continuation
- Supplies
- Main inflow to the lower limb through the femoral artery; branches also supply lower abdominal wall tissues
Clinical correlation
The inferior epigastric vessels help distinguish inguinal hernias on imaging: an indirect hernia enters the deep ring on their lateral side, whereas a direct hernia protrudes medial to them.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the external iliac artery originate?
The external iliac artery arises from the one of the two principal terminal branches of the common iliac artery.
What does the external iliac artery supply?
Main inflow to the lower limb through the femoral artery; branches also supply lower abdominal wall tissues.
What are the branches of the external iliac artery?
Inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac arteries, with the femoral artery representing its continuation.
What is the course of the external iliac artery?
Courses along the medial border of psoas major and passes deep to the inguinal ligament into the thigh.