iliac artery

[ il-ee-ak ahr-tuh-ree ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. Also called common iliac artery. either of two large arteries that conduct blood to the pelvis and the legs.
2. Also called external iliac artery. the outer branch of an iliac artery that becomes the femoral artery.
3. Also called hypogastric artery, internal iliac artery. the inner branch of an iliac artery that conducts blood to the gluteal region.

Word History and Origins

Origin of iliac artery¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The two veins which convey the impure blood back to the mother, to be purified, originate from the iliac artery, in the pelvis.

From Project Gutenberg

From the latter, vessels pass to the epigastric gland lying in front of the termination of the external iliac artery.

From Project Gutenberg

The deep circumflex iliac artery if possible should not be divided, but may bleed smartly and require a ligature.

From Project Gutenberg

A musket-ball had entered his groin, and divided the iliac artery; he was bleeding to death—nothing could save him.

From Project Gutenberg

The common iliac artery, after a short course, divides into the internal and external iliac arteries.

From Project Gutenberg