The external iliac vein is a major blood vessel that is part of the circulatory system. It is located in the lower abdomen and pelvis, specifically in the region known as the iliac fossa. Its name is derived from its position within the iliac bone, which makes up part of the pelvis.
The external iliac vein is responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs, pelvic region, and perineum back to the heart. It receives blood from numerous tributaries, including the femoral vein, deep circumflex iliac vein, and inferior epigastric vein.
Along its course, the external iliac vein runs parallel to the external iliac artery, with both vessels forming the iliac vessels. This pairing allows for efficient blood flow, as the artery delivers oxygenated blood to the lower limbs while the vein carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Eventually, the external iliac vein merges with the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein. This fusion occurs at the level of the sacroiliac joint. The common iliac vein, along with the internal iliac vein, then joins the corresponding common iliac artery to form the inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the body.
Overall, the external iliac vein plays a vital role in the circulatory system by facilitating the return of deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs, pelvic region, and perineum back to the heart.
