Common Iliac Arteries

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

At which vertebral level does the abdominal aorta bifurcate into the common iliac arteries?

T12

L4 (correct)

What is the primary function of the common iliac artery?

Supply the upper extremities

Supply the pelvis and lower extremities (correct)

Supply the brain

Supply the thorax

Which of the following statements about the inferior vena cava is incorrect?

It collects blood from the lower body.

It begins from the common iliac veins.

It has no tributaries. (correct)

It is located to the right of the abdominal aorta.

Which artery branches off the common iliac artery to supply the pelvic organs?

Internal iliac artery Signup and view all the answers

What structures are primarily supplied by the parietal branches of the internal iliac artery?

Pelvic wall and gluteal muscles Signup and view all the answers

Where does the common iliac artery divide into its branches?

At the sacroiliac joint Signup and view all the answers

Which segment of the lumbar plexus is primarily involved in innervating the lower extremities?

T12-L4 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arteries does not emerge from the common iliac artery?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

What condition results from compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh?

Meralgia paresthetica Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of femoral nerve injury?

Loss of sensation in the lateral thigh Signup and view all the answers

The femoral nerve provides somatosensory innervation to which area?

Anterior side of the thigh Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are primarily innervated by the muscular branches of the femoral nerve?

Iliopsoas and quadriceps femoris Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of pelvic fractures on the femoral nerve?

Loss of quadriceps function Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is NOT innervated by the lumbar plexus?

Sartorius Signup and view all the answers

What is the main sensory function of the iliohypogastric nerve?

Innervation of the skin of the lateral abdomen Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is responsible for the innervation of the anterior part of the scrotum in men?

Ilioinguinal nerve Signup and view all the answers

The lateral cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve is responsible for what type of innervation?

Sensory innervation of the skin of the lateral abdomen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a function of the genitofemoral nerve?

Provides motor control for the cremaster muscle Signup and view all the answers

The anterior cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve innervates which area?

Skin around the superficial inguinal ring Signup and view all the answers

What regions receive sensory innervation from the lumbar plexus?

Lower abdomen Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle does NOT receive motor innervation exclusively from the lumbar plexus?

Rectus abdominis Signup and view all the answers

The femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve is responsible for what type of innervation?

Sensory innervation to the medial aspect of the thigh Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve emerges laterally from the psoas major and runs above the iliac crest?

Iliohypogastric nerve Signup and view all the answers

What does the left testicular/ovarian vein drain into?

Left renal vein Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of compression of the inferior vena cava during pregnancy?

Varicose veins in the lower limb Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus?

Superior gluteal artery Signup and view all the answers

Which lymphatic trunk is responsible for draining the lower extremities?

Lumbar trunk Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of the testicular vein in males?

It begins on the dorsal aspect of the testis and has valves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the umbilical artery during fetal development?

To carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the ovarian vein is true?

It begins in the ovary and usually has valves. Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is responsible for supplying the prostate and seminal glands in males?

Artery to ductus deferens Signup and view all the answers

What does the inferior vena cava connect to when it is compressed by tumors?

Superior vena cava Signup and view all the answers

Which artery contributes to the blood supply of the vagina in females?

Inferior vesical artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lymphatic capillaries?

Drain excess fluid from tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of the internal iliac artery supplies the iliopsoas and quadratus lumborum muscles?

Iliolumbar artery Signup and view all the answers

Which artery primarily supplies the skin over the sacrum?

Inferior gluteal artery Signup and view all the answers

What type of vein does the right testicular vein open into?

Inferior vena cava Signup and view all the answers

Which trunk drains lymphatic fluid from half of the head and neck?

Jugular trunk Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the branches that arise from the umbilical artery?

Superior vesical arteries Signup and view all the answers

What can result from blockage of the inferior vena cava due to malignant tumors?

Dilatation of the thoraco-abdominal vein Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies the cauda equina and adjacent back muscles?

Iliolumbar artery Signup and view all the answers

Which internal iliac artery branch supplies blood to the sacroiliac joint?

Obturator artery Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies blood to the fundus of the urinary bladder?

Inferior vesical artery Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the right lymphatic duct?

It drains lymph from the right half of the head and neck. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thoracic duct?

To drain lymph from both lower extremities and the left half of the body. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the cisterna chyli located?

At the beginning of the thoracic duct. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the lymphatic drainage from the left half of the heart?

It drains into the thoracic duct. Signup and view all the answers

What represents a key difference between the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct?

The right lymphatic duct is responsible for the drainage of the right upper body. Signup and view all the answers

At what vertebral level does the abdominal aorta begin its descent in front of the vertebral column?

T12 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the common iliac artery?

It bifurcates into the internal and external iliac arteries. Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies the pelvic wall and the organs within the pelvis?

Internal iliac artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the main course of the common iliac artery after its bifurcation?

It passes medially to the psoas major. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of the common iliac artery is responsible for supplying the lower extremities?

External iliac artery Signup and view all the answers

Where does the inferior vena cava begin?

At the level of L4 from the common iliac veins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arteries does NOT arise from the internal iliac artery?

Femoral artery Signup and view all the answers

What structure does the thoracic duct primarily drain?

Upper body and lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

What does the left testicular/ovarian vein drain into?

Left renal vein Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications is commonly caused by compression of the inferior vena cava during pregnancy?

Edema of the ankle and feet Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is true for both the testicular and ovarian veins?

Both possess valves Signup and view all the answers

Which lymphatic trunk is responsible for draining the lower extremities?

Lumbar trunk Signup and view all the answers

What clinical presentation can result from the blockage of the inferior vena cava by malignant retroperitoneal tumors?

Caval-caval shunt dilatation Signup and view all the answers

How do lymphatic vessels differ from lymphatic capillaries?

Lymphatic vessels have a more complex valve system Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the lymphatic system is unpaired and drains unpaired abdominal organs?

Intestinal trunk Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of both the right testicular and right ovarian veins?

They both open into the inferior vena cava Signup and view all the answers

During which trimester is the compression of the inferior vena cava by the uterus most likely to occur?

Third trimester Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of the uterine artery specifically supplies the vaginal fornices?

Vaginal branches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the internal pudendal artery?

Supplies blood to the perineal structures Signup and view all the answers

Which artery ascends along the posterior surface of the anterior abdominal wall?

Inferior epigastric artery Signup and view all the answers

Which artery combines with the ovarian artery to form the ovarian arcade?

Ovarian branch Signup and view all the answers

What part of the male anatomy does the urethral artery primarily supply?

Corpus spongiosum penis Signup and view all the answers

What does the deep artery of the penis/clitoris supply?

Corpora cavernosa of penis/clitoris Signup and view all the answers

Which artery runs to the pubic symphysis?

Pubic branch of the inferior epigastric artery Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies the bulb of the penis and vestibule of the vagina?

Artery of the bulb of penis/vestibule Signup and view all the answers

What part of the external iliac artery supplies part of the wall of the greater pelvis?

Deep circumflex iliac artery Signup and view all the answers

Which artery primarily supplies the anterior and lateral muscles of the abdominal wall?

Inferior epigastric artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the iliac veins?

Drain deoxygenated blood from the pelvis Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does NOT drain into the inferior vena cava?

Subclavian veins Signup and view all the answers

At which vertebral level do the common iliac veins combine to form the inferior vena cava?

L4-L5 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a parietal tributary of the inferior vena cava?

Ascending lumbar vein Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the inferior vena cava?

It arises from the junction of the common iliac veins Signup and view all the answers

Which structure drains the inferior part of the diaphragm?

Inferior phrenic veins Signup and view all the answers

Where do the renal veins drain into?

Inferior vena cava Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following veins drains the right suprarenal gland?

Right suprarenal vein Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the inferior vena cava?

It possesses no valves Signup and view all the answers

What connection does the ascending lumbar vein create?

Between the common iliac vein and the azygos vein Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abdominal Aorta

Begins at the level of the aortic hiatus (T12) as the continuation of the thoracic aorta
Descends in front of the vertebral column, on the left of the inferior vena cava (IVC)
Bifurcates into the common iliac arteries at the level of the 4th lumbar vertebra
Has parietal and visceral branches

Common Iliac Artery

Paired continuation of the abdominal aorta from its bifurcation at the level of L4
Passes on the medial surface of the psoas major
Divides into the external and internal iliac arteries at the level of the sacroiliac joint
Supplies the pelvis and lower extremities

Internal Iliac Artery (Parietal Branches)

Medial branch of the common iliac artery
Descends behind the peritoneum to the lesser pelvis
Supplies the pelvic wall, gluteal muscles, and medial side of the thigh
Mnemonic: I Love Odorous Sweet Ice-cream

Specific Parietal Branches

Iliolumbar artery: Supplies the iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, ilium, and vertebral column including the cauda equina
Lateral sacral arteries: Two branches (each then bifurcate) supply the sacrum, cauda equina, and adjacent muscles of the back
Obturator artery: Supplies the muscles of the medial femoral group, sacroiliac joint
Superior gluteal artery: Supplies the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus
Inferior gluteal artery: Supplies the gluteus maximus, tensor fasciae latae, as well as some skin over the sacrum

Internal Iliac Artery (Visceral Branches)

Supplies the perineum and the organs within the lesser pelvis except for the rectal ampulla and part of the ovary and uterine tube
Mnemonic: (U)nder (V)ery (M)uch (I)ntense (R)ain, (D)og, (I)ce (P)oured

Specific Visceral Branches

Umbilical artery: Main fetal artery carrying deoxygenated blood from fetus to the placenta (after delivery obliterates → lateral umbilical ligament)
- Superior vesical arteries: Arise from the umbilical artery and supply the superior part of the urinary bladder, part of the ureter and the urethra
Inferior vesical artery: Supplies the fundus of the urinary bladder
- In female, it participates in the blood supply of the vagina
- In male supplies the prostate and seminal glands
Middle rectal artery: Supplies the levator ani
- In female, participates in the blood supply of the vagina
- In male supply the prostate and seminal glands
Artery to ductus deferens: In male, supplies the ductus deferens, prostate, seminal glands, and part of the ureter
Uterine artery: In female, supplies the uterus, vagina, and part of the ovary

Inferior Vena Cava

Begins at the level of the L4 vertebra
Receives blood from the lower limbs, pelvis, and abdominal organs
Empties into the right atrium of the heart

Visceral Tributaries

Right suprarenal vein: Drains the right suprarenal gland
Left suprarenal vein: Drains the left suprarenal gland
Right testicular/ovarian vein: Opens into the inferior vena cava
Left testicular/ovarian vein: Opens into the left renal vein
Right renal vein: Drains the right kidney
Left renal vein: Drains the left kidney
Right common iliac vein: Receives blood from the right lower limb and pelvic organs
Left common iliac vein: Receives blood from the left lower limb and pelvic organs

Compression of the Inferior Vena Cava

Commonly compressed by an enlarged uterus during the last trimester of pregnancy
Results in edema of the ankle and feet, and varicose veins in the lower limb
Compression and blockage by retroperitoneal tumors can lead to:
- Dilatation of the anastomotic channel between IVC and superior vena cava (caval–caval shunt)
- Prominent subcutaneous vein called thoraco-abdominal vein

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic capillaries: The smallest lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic vessels: Collect lymph from the capillaries
Lymphatic trunks: Larger lymphatic vessels that drain lymph into the venous system
- Paired: Jugular, subclavian, bronchomediastinal, lumbar
- Unpaired: Intestinal

Lumbar Plexus (T12-L4)

Motor innervation - Lower abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles, muscles of the anterior and medial compartments of the thigh
Sensory innervation - Lower abdomen, Lateral gluteal region, External genitalia, Thigh, Medial aspect of the leg (via the saphenous nerve)

Lumbar Plexus Branches

Iliohypogastric nerve: T12-L1 - Motor branches for internal oblique and transversus abdominis, somatosensory innervation of the skin of the lateral abdomen, innervates skin around the superficial inguinal ring
- Muscular branches
- Lateral cutaneous branch
- Anterior cutaneous branch
Ilioinguinal nerve: L1 - Travels through the inguinal canal, innervates skin of the anterior part of the scrotum (in men) and skin on the anterior part of the labia majora (in women)
Genitofemoral nerve: L2-L3 - Innervates the cremaster, dartos fascia and a small area on the medial side of the thigh (men), skin of the medial side of the thigh
- Genital branch
- Femoral branch
Lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh / lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: L2-L3 - Somatosensory innervation for the lateral thigh
Femoral nerve: L2-L4 - Innervates the iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, sartorius and pectineus, somatosensory innervation for the anterior side of the thigh, somatosensory innervation of the skin of the medial part of the leg
- Muscular branches
- Anterior cutaneous branches
- Saphenous nerve
  - Infrapatellar branch
  - Medial cutaneous nerve of leg/medial crural cutaneous nerve

Clinical Correlation

Meralgia paresthetica: Compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh in the muscular space - acute pain, loss of sensation on the lateral thigh above the knee
Femoral nerve injury: Trauma, pelvic fractures, hip dislocations, surgeries, inguinal lymphatic nodes induration, femoral artery aneurysms - impaired function of the quadriceps femoris, difficulty walking without support and walking upstairs, inability to raise lower limb when lying supine, unstable standing and squatting, genu recurvatum (back knee)

Abdominal Aorta

Begins at the level of the aortic hiatus (T12) and continues from the thoracic aorta
Descends in front of the vertebral column, on the left of the inferior vena cava (IVC)
Bifurcates into the common iliac arteries at the level of the 4th lumbar vertebra
Has parietal and visceral branches

Common Iliac Artery

Paired continuation of the abdominal aorta from its bifurcation at the level of L4
Passes on the medial surface of the psoas major
Divides into the external and internal iliac arteries at the level of the sacroiliac joint
Supplies the pelvis and lower extremities

Internal Iliac Artery (Parietal Branches)

Medial branch of the common iliac artery
Descends behind the peritoneum to the lesser pelvis, passing in front of the sacroiliac joint
Supplies the pelvic wall, gluteal muscles, and medial side of the thigh
Branches include: iliolumbar artery, lateral sacral arteries, uterine artery

Internal Iliac Artery (Visceral Branches)

Supplies the pelvic organs
Branches include: internal pudendal artery

Internal Pudendal Artery

Arterial trunk supplying blood to all perineal structures inferior to the pelvic diaphragm
Branches include: inferior rectal artery, perineal artery, dorsal artery of penis/clitoris, deep artery of penis/clitoris, urethral artery, artery of bulb of penis/vestibule

External Iliac Artery

Lateral branch of the common iliac artery
Supplies majority of the lower extremity, anterior and lateral muscles of the abdominal wall, and part of the scrotum in males
After leaving the vascular space, it continues as the femoral artery
Two branches arise just medial to the inguinal ligament: inferior epigastric artery, deep circumflex iliac artery

Inferior Epigastric Artery

Ascends along the posterior surface of the anterior abdominal wall inside the lateral umbilical fold
Anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery within the rectus abdominis
Branches include: pubic branch, cremasteric artery, artery of round ligament of uterus

Iliac Veins

Drain deoxygenated blood from the pelvis and return it to the heart
Major vessels include: external iliac vein, internal iliac vein, common iliac vein
Left and right common iliac veins combine at L4-L5 to become the inferior vena cava

Inferior Vena Cava

Largest vein in the human body
Collects blood from the inferior half of the body (below the diaphragm)
Arises from the junction of the right and left common iliac veins at the level of L4–L5
Runs on the right of the abdominal aorta, courses dorsally to the liver, and passes through the diaphragm
Has both parietal and visceral tributaries

Inferior Vena Cava - Parietal Tributaries

Include: lumbar veins, inferior phrenic veins, external vertebral venous plexuses

Inferior Vena Cava - Visceral Tributaries

Include: hepatic veins, right suprarenal vein, renal veins, testicular/ovarian vein

Compression of the Inferior Vena Cava

Commonly compressed by an enlarged uterus during the last trimester of pregnancy
Results: edema of the ankle and feet, varicose veins in the lower limb
Compression by malignant retroperitoneal tumors can lead to dilatation of the anastomotic channel between IVC and superior vena cava (caval–caval shunt)

Lymphatic Vessels

Drainage system that collects excess fluid and waste products from the body
Major components: lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic vessels, lymphatic trunks, lymphatic ducts

Lymphatic Trunks

Paired: jugular trunk, subclavian trunk, bronchomediastinal trunk, lumbar trunk
Unpaired: intestinal trunk

Lymphatic Ducts

Right lymphatic duct: originates from the right jugular, right subclavian, and right bronchomediastinal trunks, collects lymph from the right half of the head and neck, right upper extremity and right half of the thoracic cavity
Thoracic duct: originates from the lumbar trunks, collects lymph from both lower extremities, pelvis, abdominal cavity, left half of the thoracic cavity, left upper extremity and left half of the head and neck.

Cisterna Chyli

Widened area at the beginning of the thoracic duct at the level of T11–L1
Receives lymph from the lumbar trunks and intestinal trunk

Lymphatic Drainage of Posterior Abdominal Wall

Lymph vessels draining the posterior abdominal wall and most of the abdominopelvic organs (except part of the liver) terminate in the cisterna chyli and thoracic duct
Deep lymph nodes are not palpable

Lumbar Plexus

Formed from the anterior branches of spinal nerves L1–L4 and a contributing branch from T12
Located within the psoas major, lateral to the lumbar vertebrae
Nerves include: iliohypogastric nerve, ilioinguinal nerve, genitofemoral nerve, lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh, femoral nerve, obturator nerve

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the abdominal aorta and its branches, including the common iliac artery and internal iliac artery. This quiz covers anatomical details, relationships, and functions of these key arteries. Perfect for anatomy students or anyone interested in vascular anatomy.