Common Iliac Vein
Common Iliac Vein
The Common Iliac Vein (pronunciation: /ˈkɒmən ɪˈlaɪək vi:n/) is a large vein located in the Pelvis. It is formed by the confluence of the External Iliac Vein and the Internal Iliac Vein. The term "iliac" is derived from the Latin "ilia", meaning "flank or hip bone", and the term "vein" is derived from the Latin "vena", meaning "blood vessel".
Anatomy
The Common Iliac Vein is situated posterior to the Common Iliac Artery. It begins at the level of the sacroiliac joint and ends at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra, where it unites with the opposite Common Iliac Vein to form the Inferior Vena Cava.
Function
The primary function of the Common Iliac Vein is to carry deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. It does this by merging with the External Iliac Vein and the Internal Iliac Vein, which carry blood from the lower limbs and pelvis, respectively.
Related Terms
- External Iliac Vein: The vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower limb back to the heart.
- Internal Iliac Vein: The vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the pelvis back to the heart.
- Inferior Vena Cava: The large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.
See Also
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