External iliac artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the lower limb and pelvis. It is one of the branches of the common iliac artery, which is a continuation of the abdominal aorta. In this article, we will discuss the anatomy, location, structure, function, and clinical significance of the external iliac artery.
Anatomy
The external iliac artery is a long, slender vessel that originates from the common iliac artery at the level of the sacroiliac joint. It runs inferolaterally along the lateral border of the psoas muscle, deep to the inguinal ligament. As it passes through the inguinal canal, it becomes the femoral artery, which supplies blood to the thigh and leg.
Location
The external iliac artery is located in the lower abdomen and pelvis. It begins at the level of the sacroiliac joint and ends at the inguinal canal, where it becomes the femoral artery. The external iliac artery is located deep to the inguinal ligament, which is a band of connective tissue that runs obliquely across the front of the pelvis.
Structure
The external iliac artery is a muscular artery, which means that it has a thick wall composed of three layers: the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. The tunica intima is the innermost layer, which is composed of a single layer of endothelial cells. The tunica media is the middle layer, which is composed of smooth muscle cells and elastic tissue. The tunica adventitia is the outermost layer, which is composed of connective tissue.
Function
The external iliac artery has several important functions. It provides oxygenated blood to the lower extremities, including the legs, feet, and toes. It also helps to regulate blood flow to the pelvis and lower abdomen.
Clinical significance
The external iliac artery has clinical significance because it can be affected by a number of medical conditions. For example, a blockage or narrowing of the artery (called atherosclerosis) can lead to reduced blood flow to the lower extremities, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. This condition can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery to remove the blockage. In addition, the external iliac artery can be damaged by trauma or injury, leading to bleeding and other complications.
Overall, the external iliac artery plays a vital role in maintaining proper blood flow to the lower extremities and is important for overall health and well-being.
