Functions and Implications of Internal Iliac Artery and Vein in the Pelvis

Internal Iliac

Drains the pelvic organs

The internal iliac is one of the two large terminal branches of the common iliac artery, which are located in the pelvis. It supplies the pelvic organs, buttocks, and thighs with blood.

The internal iliac artery branches into multiple smaller arteries, including the superior and inferior gluteal arteries, the obturator artery, the internal pudendal artery, and the uterine or vaginal artery (in females). These arteries supply blood to the gluteal muscles, pelvic organs, genitals, and perineum.

The internal iliac vein accompanies the artery within the pelvis, carrying deoxygenated blood and returning it to the common iliac vein, which ultimately drains into the inferior vena cava.

Damage or blockage of the internal iliac artery or vein can lead to various health conditions, including pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and impaired bladder or bowel function. Surgical procedures may sometimes involve ligation or embolization of the internal iliac artery, as a means of controlling bleeding or reducing tumor growth.

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