Quick Overview
The iliac arteries are two of the four main arteries that supply blood to the lower extremities. They originate from the abdominal aorta at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra and bifurcate into the internal and external iliac arteries.
The internal iliac artery supplies blood to the pelvic viscera, including the bladder, rectum, uterus, and ovaries, while the external iliac artery continues into the thigh as the femoral artery, which supplies blood to the leg and foot.
A blockage in the iliac arteries can lead to a number of problems, including claudication, critical limb ischemia, and stroke.
Treatment for iliac artery disorders depends on the specific disorder and its severity, and may include medications, angioplasty and stenting, or surgery.
Table of Contents
Anatomy
The Iliac Arteries are major blood vessels situated in the pelvic region. They are divided into two main segments i,e the Common Iliac Arteries and the External and Internal Iliac Arteries. These arteries are responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the lower limbs and pelvic organs.
| Artery | Description |
| Origin | Abdominal aorta |
| Branches | Internal iliac artery, External iliac artery |
| Location | Pelvic region |
| Supply | Lower extremities and pelvic organs |
Location and Function
These Arteries are strategically located within the pelvic region, originating from the abdominal aorta. The primary function of the these arteries is to ensure a robust blood supply to the lower extremities and pelvic organs. This arterial network nourishes the muscles, bones, reproductive and urinary organs within the pelvic cavity.
Branches
It has two main branches which are;
- Internal iliac artery: This artery supplies blood to the pelvic viscera, including the bladder, rectum, uterus, and ovaries.
- External iliac artery: This artery continues into the thigh as the femoral artery, which supplies blood to the leg and foot.
Right and Left Common Iliac Arteries
The RCIA and LCIA are the two main branches of the abdominal aorta. The RCIA supplies blood to the right lower extremity, and the LCIA artery supplies blood to the left lower extremity.
Clinical Importance:
It play a crucial role in various clinical scenarios, some of them include:
- Vascular Surgery: Surgeons often use the Iliac Arteries as a graft source in procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and aortoiliac reconstruction.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Monitoring and treating aneurysms that involve the Iliac Arteries are essential to prevent rupture.
- Radiology: Imaging techniques like angiography help visualize and diagnose conditions affecting the Iliac Arteries.
Iliac Arteries Disorders and Treatment
Disorders that can affect the IA are;
1- Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries, narrowing them. This is the most common cause of iliac artery disease.
2- Thrombosis: Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. A blood clot in the iliac artery can block blood flow to the lower extremity.
3- Embolism: An embolism is a blockage in a blood vessel caused by a foreign object, such as a blood clot or air bubble. An embolism in the iliac artery can block blood flow to the lower extremity.
Treatment
Treatment for iliac artery disorders depends on the specific disorder and its severity. Treatment options may include:
- Medications: Medications may be used to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and prevent blood clots.
- Angioplasty and stenting: Angioplasty and stenting are procedures that can be used to open up blocked arteries. A catheter is inserted into the artery and a balloon is inflated to widen the artery. A stent may then be placed in the artery to keep it open.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove a blood clot or repair a damaged artery.
Prevention of Iliac Artery Disorders
There are a number of things you can do to prevent iliac artery disorders, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Controlling diabetes
Question
1. How serious is calcification of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries?
Calcification in these arteries can be a sign of atherosclerosis, a potentially serious condition. Its severity depends on factors like the extent of calcification and associated health risks.
2. Which of the following are supplied by the common iliac arteries?
The common iliac arteries supply blood to various structures, including the lower limbs, pelvic organs, and muscles in the pelvic region.
3. What are the external iliac arteries called?
The external iliac arteries are sometimes referred to simply as the iliac arteries.
4. Atherosclerosis in the iliac or femoral arteries is likely to cause:
Atherosclerosis in these arteries can lead to reduced blood flow to the lower limbs, potentially causing symptoms like leg pain, weakness, or even tissue damage if left untreated.
5. Which blood vessel bifurcates into the right and left common iliac arteries?
The abdominal aorta bifurcates into the right and left common iliac arteries, which then further divide into external and internal iliac arteries.