Definition

Noun: 1. A major artery: One of the two large arteries that branch from the lower end of the abdominal aorta, supplying blood to the pelvic region, the buttocks, and the legs.

Usage

The term "iliac artery" is a specific anatomical term. It is typically used in medical, biological, and healthcare contexts. It often appears with a modifier ("common," "external," "internal") to specify its exact segment. * The common iliac artery divides into the internal and external branches. * A blockage in the iliac artery can reduce blood flow to the leg.

Examples

• The surgeon carefully clamped the iliac artery to prevent excessive bleeding during the procedure.
• Atherosclerosis is a common cause of narrowing in the iliac arteries.
• The external iliac artery becomes the femoral artery as it passes under the inguinal ligament.

Advanced Usage

• "Common iliac artery": The primary branch from the aorta, which then bifurcates.
• "External iliac artery": The branch that primarily supplies the lower limb.
• "Internal iliac artery" (or hypogastric artery): The branch that primarily supplies the pelvic walls and viscera, and the gluteal region.

Variants and Related Words

• Iliac (adjective): Pertaining to the ilium (part of the hip bone) or the nearby region. (e.g., iliac crest, iliac fossa).
• Aortoiliac (adjective): Relating to both the aorta and the iliac arteries. (e.g., aortoiliac disease).

Synonyms

• There are no direct common-language synonyms for this precise anatomical structure. In general descriptive language, it could be referred to as a pelvic artery or a major leg artery, but these are not technically precise equivalents.

Related Phrases

• Iliac artery stenosis: The abnormal narrowing of an iliac artery.
• Iliac artery aneurysm: A bulging or ballooning in the wall of an iliac artery.

Noun

1. one of the large arteries supplying blood to the pelvis and legs