external iliac artery

The external iliac artery (EIA) is the larger of the two terminal branches of the common iliac artery (CIA).

Gross anatomy

Origin

The common iliac artery bifurcates into the internal iliac artery and external iliac artery at the level of the pelvic brim anterior to the sacroiliac joint.

Course

The external iliac artery courses medially along the iliopsoas muscle . After it enters the thigh under the inguinal ligament, it changes name and continues as the common femoral artery, supplying the lower limb.

Branches

• inferior epigastric artery
• deep circumflex iliac artery 

Relations

• anteriorly (at origin): gonadal vessels, genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, deep circumflex iliac vein, round ligament 
• posteriorly: iliac fascia, psoas muscle 

Siehe auch:

• Arteria iliaca interna
• Arteria iliaca communis
• Arteria femoralis communis

und weiter:

• Arteria circumflexa ilium profunda