Neurovasculature of the Pelvis
Arterial supply of the pelvis
Several centimeters after the abdominal aorta bifurcates into the right and left common
iliac arteries, the common iliac artery further bifurcates into the internal iliac artery and the
external iliac artery.
As the external iliac artery passes inferiorly and posteriorly to the inguinal ligament and
exits the pelvis, it is referred to as the femoral artery.
The external iliac artery
While the external iliac artery gives rise to the main blood supply of the lower limb, its distal
part also gives two branches within the pelvic area:
● Deep circumflex iliac artery- branches from the lateral side of the external iliac
artery. It ascends superiorly within the transversalis fascia towards the anterior
superior iliac spine. Past the iliac crest, it anastomoses with the superior branch of
the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Then, it travels along the interior aspect of the
iliac crest, perforates the transversus abdominis muscle, and runs between it and
between the internal abdominal oblique muscles. There, it gives a branch that
anastomoses with the lumbar arteries and the inferior epigastric artery.
o Supplies:
Transversus abdominis muscle
Internal abdominal oblique muscles
Iliac fossa
● Inferior epigastric artery- originates in the medial aspect of the distal part of the
external iliac artery. It travels superiorly and medially, on the posterior surface of the
rectus abdominis muscle, giving branches to anastomose with the posterior
intercostal arteries. At about the level of the umbilicus, it anastomoses with the
superior epigastric artery.
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