Iliac artery

Iliac artery is a large blood vessel that carries blood to the lower part of the body. It is a continuation of the aorta, the main artery of the body, and it splits into two main branches, the internal and external iliac arteries. The internal iliac artery supplies blood to the pelvic organs, while the external iliac artery continues as the femoral artery, supplying blood to the lower extremities.

Anatomy

The iliac artery begins at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra, where the aorta divides into the left and right common iliac arteries. Each common iliac artery then divides into an internal and an external iliac artery.

Internal Iliac Artery

The internal iliac artery supplies blood to the pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs. It also gives off several branches that supply blood to the gluteal muscles, the muscles of the buttock.

External Iliac Artery

The external iliac artery continues as the femoral artery, which supplies blood to the lower extremities. It gives off several branches that supply blood to the abdominal wall and the inguinal region.

Clinical Significance

Diseases of the iliac artery can lead to serious health problems. These include atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries, and aneurysm, a bulging of the artery wall. Both conditions can lead to ischemia, a lack of blood supply to the tissues, which can cause pain and tissue death.

Treatment of iliac artery disease may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. In severe cases, a procedure called an angioplasty may be performed to widen the artery and improve blood flow.

See Also

• Aorta
• Femoral artery
• Atherosclerosis
• Aneurysm

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