Vessel
External iliac artery
Becomes the femoral artery
High-yield
Becomes the femoral artery as it passes deep to the inguinal ligament; gives the inferior epigastric artery just above it.
Overview
The larger terminal branch of the common iliac artery that passes under the inguinal ligament to become the femoral artery of the lower limb.
Reference facts
- Type
Muscular artery
- Origin
Common iliac artery
- Branches / tributaries
Inferior epigastric artery; Deep circumflex iliac artery
- Supplies
Lower limb (as the femoral artery) and lower anterior abdominal wall
- Course
Runs along the pelvic brim and passes posterior to the inguinal ligament to enter the thigh