Definition

1. Noun:
   • Anatomy: One of the two terminal branches of the abdominal aorta, each of which divides to form the internal and external iliac arteries, supplying blood to the pelvis and lower limbs.

Usage

• The common iliac artery is a major blood vessel.
• It is used in anatomical, medical, and surgical contexts.
• Example: "The abdominal aorta bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Atherosclerosis can narrow the common iliac artery, reducing blood flow to the legs.
  • During the surgery, the surgeon clamped the common iliac artery to control bleeding.

Advanced Usage

• "Common iliac artery aneurysm": A pathological ballooning or enlargement of this artery.
  • The patient was monitored for a growing common iliac artery aneurysm.
• "Common iliac artery occlusion": A complete blockage of this artery.
  • The common iliac artery occlusion caused severe claudication.

Variants and Related Words

• Internal iliac artery (n): The branch of the common iliac artery supplying the pelvic walls and viscera.
• External iliac artery (n): The branch of the common iliac artery that continues into the thigh as the femoral artery.
• Iliac (adj): Pertaining to the ilium or the nearby anatomical regions (e.g., iliac crest, iliac fossa).

Synonyms

• Terminal aortic branch (descriptive synonym, less common).
• Pelvic artery (a broader, less precise term that may refer to branches of the common iliac artery).

Related Phrases

• "Bifurcation of the aorta": The point where the aorta splits into the common iliac arteries.
  • The bifurcation of the aorta is a key landmark in vascular anatomy.
• "Iliac system": Refers collectively to the common, internal, and external iliac arteries and their branches.
  • The iliac system is evaluated using angiography.

Noun

1. terminal branches of the abdominal aorta