Common Iliac Artery

• Origin and course:
  • Abdominal aorta ends by dividing at L4 into left and right common Iliac arteries
  • About 4-5 cm in length
  • Descends downward and outward toward the edge of the pelvis. 
  • Travels inferolaterally for approximately five cm and terminates as the internal and external iliac arteries at the level of the pelvic inlet (L5-S1).
• Branches
  • The common iliac artery ends by dividing into 
    • Internal iliac artery
    • External iliac artery
• Relationship
  • Accompanied by corresponding veins
  • Ureters are anterior at the bifurcation
• Supplies 
  • Pelvis 
  • Lower extremities
  • Genitals