326 INTERNAL ILIAC. VESICAL VEINS. 



Primitive Iliac Veins. 



The left vein crosses behind the artery of the right side, and 

 rather behind the left primitive iliac artery, which it accompa- 

 nies until they are opposite to the junction of the sacrum and 

 ilium, when it divides again, like the artery, into the internal and 

 external iliac veins. 



The Internal Iliac, or Hypogastric Vein 



Descends into the pelvis behind the artery, which it accom- 

 panies. Its ramifications correspond in general with those of 

 the artery, and, therefore, need not be particularly described. 



The Vena Vesicates 



Have such peculiarities that their ramifications require 

 particular attention. They arise from the hypogastric, very 

 near the origin of the obturator, and are large, as well as 

 numerous. 



They are somewhat different in the two sexes. In men they 

 form a remarkable plexus on the lateral and inferior portions 

 of the bladder, and on the vesiculae seminales. This plexus 

 extends more or less to the prostate ; from it a number of 

 veins proceed to the symphysis of the os pubis, which com- 

 municate in their course with the pudic vein. From thence 

 arises the great vein of the penis, which proceeds in the 

 groove between the corpora cavernosa, and terminates in the 

 glans penis. This vein often divides, near the root of the penis, 

 into two : one of which is in the groove, and the other more 

 superficial.* i 



In females, the venffi vesicales form a considerable plexus on 

 each side of the bladder and vagina. Many veins pass from 

 these to the upper portions of the bladder and the contiguous 

 parts, and form plexuses. The clitoris has a dorsal vein like 

 the penis, and it originates in a manner analogous to the dorsal 

 vein of the male. 



* The pudic veins accompany the arteries of that name. They communi- 

 cate with the plexus, as above mentioned, and continue into the penis. 



