Common iliac vessels

Common iliac vessels are a pair of large blood vessels that originate from the aorta in the abdomen. They are responsible for supplying blood to the pelvis and lower limbs. The common iliac vessels are divided into two main branches: the common iliac artery and the common iliac vein.

Etymology

The term "iliac" is derived from the Latin word "ilium," which refers to the uppermost and largest part of the hip bone. The term "vessel" is derived from the Latin word "vasculum," which means a small vessel or duct.

Common iliac artery

The common iliac artery is a major artery in the human body that originates from the aorta at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. It runs downward and laterally to the right and left of the midline of the body, dividing into the internal iliac artery and the external iliac artery at the level of the sacroiliac joint.

Common iliac vein

The common iliac vein is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs and pelvis back to the heart. It is formed by the union of the internal iliac vein and the external iliac vein. The right and left common iliac veins come together in the abdomen at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra to form the inferior vena cava.

Related terms

• Internal iliac artery
• External iliac artery
• Internal iliac vein
• External iliac vein
• Inferior vena cava
• Aorta

See also

• Anatomy of the human body
• Blood vessels
• Circulatory system

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