Definition

A set of two major blood vessels that carry blood to the lower part of the body, including the pelvis, reproductive organs, and legs. The common iliac artery branches off from the bottom part of the abdominal aorta (the largest blood vessel in the abdomen) into the right common iliac artery and left common iliac artery. Each common iliac artery further branches into an external iliac artery and an internal iliac artery, one on each side of the body. The external iliac arteries supply blood to the legs and feet. The internal iliac arteries supply blood to the tissues and organs in and around the pelvis, including the bladder, rectum, reproductive organs, groin, hips, and buttocks.