A large artery in the pelvis that supplies blood to the lower limb and pelvic organs.
Structure
The abdominal aorta divides at about the level of the navel into right and left common iliac arteries. Each common iliac splits into an external iliac, which becomes the femoral artery, and an internal iliac that serves the pelvis.
Function
The external branch carries the main blood supply to the lower limb. The internal branch supplies the bladder, rectum, reproductive organs, and gluteal muscles.
Clinical note
Atherosclerosis or aneurysm of the iliac arteries can cause leg pain on walking and is a common target for vascular surgery.
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Iliac Artery starts with I and ends with Y. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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