The vena iliaca communis is a medical term referring to the common iliac vein, which is a significant blood vessel in the human body. As part of the venous system, it plays a crucial role in the transportation of deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs and pelvic region back to the heart.
The vena iliaca communis is formed through the merging of the external iliac vein and the internal iliac vein. It begins at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and extends upward to the sacroiliac joint, where it eventually unites with the opposite common iliac vein to form the inferior vena cava.
This vein is located on both sides of the abdomen, within the pelvic region. It runs parallel to the corresponding artery, namely the common iliac artery, which supplies oxygenated blood to similar regions. The vena iliaca communis primarily receives blood from various tributaries, including the internal iliac vein, gonadal (testicular/ovarian) veins, lumbar veins, and median sacral veins.
The vena iliaca communis, being an integral part of the venous system, assists in maintaining proper blood circulation and plays a vital role in carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart for reoxygenation. As with any major blood vessel, abnormalities or obstructions in the vena iliaca communis can potentially lead to various medical conditions, including deep vein thrombosis, venous insufficiency, or other circulatory disorders.
