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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenExternal iliac vein
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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenExternal iliac vein

External iliac vein

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Main veins of the trunk [17:40]
Major veins of the thorax and abdomen.
External iliac vein (Vena iliaca externa)

The external iliac vein arises from the femoral vein as its proximal continuation. It runs from the posterior aspect of the inguinal ligament and terminates around the sacroiliac joint. Anterior to the sacroiliac joint, the internal iliac and external iliac veins unite to form the common iliac vein.

The main function of the external iliac vein is to drain deoxygenated blood from the leg, anterior abdominal wall and the pubic region.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the external iliac vein.

Key facts about the external iliac vein
Drains from Femoral vein
Tributaries Inferior epigastric vein, deep circumflex iliac vein, pubic vein
Drains to Common iliac vein
Drainage area Skin and muscle of anterior abdominal wall, pubic region, leg
Contents
  1. Origin and course
  2. Tributaries and drainage area
  3. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and course

External iliac vein
Vena iliaca externa
1/4
Synonyms: Vena ilica externa

The external iliac vein originates posterior to the inguinal ligament as a direct continuation of the femoral vein. It runs superomedially across the pelvic brim towards the sacrum, accompanied by the corresponding artery which runs laterally.

On its course, the external iliac vein is crossed by the ureter, ductus deferens (males) and round ligament and ovarian vessels (females). When it reaches the anterior aspect of the sacroiliac joint, it merges with the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein.

Tributaries and drainage area

Inferior epigastric vein
Vena epigastrica inferior
1/2
Synonyms: Vena epigastrica caudalis

The external iliac vein drains the structures of the leg, anterior abdominal wall and pubic region. The main tributaries of the external iliac vein include:

  • The inferior epigastric vein drains the inferior portion of the anterior abdominal wall. It empties into the external iliac vein 1 cm above the inguinal ligament.
  • The deep iliac circumflex vein is formed by the union of the venae comitantes of the deep iliac circumflex artery. It crosses the external iliac artery and empties into the external iliac vein.
  • The pubic vein is an anastomosis between the external iliac and obturator vein.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Tubbs, R. S., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M., & Bergman, R. A. (2016). Bergmans comprehensive encyclopedia of human anatomic variation. Hoboken: Wiley Blackwell.

Illustrations:

  • External iliac vein (Vena iliaca externa) - Begoña Rodriguez

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