Vena iliaca externa is a medical term used to describe the external iliac vein, which is a major blood vessel in the human body. The word is pronounced /ˈviːnə ɪliːˈækə ɛksˈtɜːrnə/ and is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription system. The first syllable is pronounced as "vee-nuh," with stresses on the second and fourth syllables. The second syllable is pronounced as "ill-ee-ack-uh." The last two syllables are pronounced as "eks-tur-nuh," with stress on the second-to-last syllable. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is crucial for healthcare professionals.
The vena iliaca externa, also known as the external iliac vein, is a major blood vessel located in the human body. This vein is a continuation of the femoral vein, and it is found within the lower abdomen and pelvis. It plays a crucial role in the return of deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs to the heart.
The vena iliaca externa is situated alongside the external iliac artery, forming the iliac vessels. It begins at the inguinal ligament, near the groin, and extends upwards, eventually merging with the inferior vena cava. The left and right vena iliaca externa are both present in the human body, with each corresponding to its respective lower limb.
The main function of the vena iliaca externa is to carry blood lacking oxygen and nutrients away from the lower extremities. As the blood flows through this vein, it travels towards the heart, where it will eventually be oxygenated and replenished. This allows for the continuous circulation of blood throughout the body, providing the necessary oxygen and nutrients to various organs and tissues.
In certain medical procedures, such as vascular surgeries or interventions, the vena iliaca externa can be accessed and utilized for catheterization or the placement of medical devices. Understanding the anatomy and function of this vein is essential for healthcare professionals, enabling them to safely and effectively perform these procedures while minimizing potential risks or complications.
External iliac vein, a direct continuation of the femoral above the inguinal (Poupart's) ligament, uniting with the hypogastric internal iliac to form the common iliac vein.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.