Deep circumflex iliac artery

The deep circumflex iliac artery arises from the external iliac artery.

Gross anatomy

  • origin: lateral aspect of the external iliac artery above the inguinal ligament, almost opposite to the inferior epigastric artery
  • course: travels superiorly parallel to the inguinal ligament towards the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), it then passes through the transversalis fascia to continue along the crest of the ilium on its medial aspect. It then pierces the transversus abdominis to lie between it and the internal oblique muscle
  • termination: anastomoses with the iliolumbar and superior gluteal arteries
  • branches: large branch arising near the ASIS which supply the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles
  • supply: iliacus muscle; iliac fossa; deep abdominal wall of inguinal region
  • relations: travels with the deep circumflex iliac vein; anastomoses with the lateral femoral circumflex artery at the ASIS

Variant anatomy

  • rarely may arise from the femoral artery
  • may be absent or doubled

Related pathology

  • mandibular reconstruction: deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap with iliac crest