148 HANDBOOK OF ANATOMY 



They terminate opposite the lumbo-sacral joint by dividing into 

 external and internal iliac. The common iliac arteries lie on the 

 bodies of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and on psoas, 

 and are separated anteriorly and externally from the coils of the 

 small intestine by the peritoneum. 

 Branches. Internal iliac. 

 External iliac. 



The Internal Iliac artery arises opposite the lumbo-sacral 

 articulation and passes down into the true pelvis, terminating 

 opposite the upper border of the great sciatic notch by dividing 

 into anterior and posterior divisions, giving off numerous 

 branches which supply the pelvic wall and viscera, buttock, 

 thigh, and external genital organs. 



Posterior division 



Parietal : Ilio-lumbar ~\ supply the muscles of the iliac 

 Lateral-sacral Jfossa and front of sacrum. 

 Gluteal, passes out above pyriformis to supply 

 the gluteal muscles. 



Anterior division 



Visceral : supply the bladder and internal genital organs. 

 Parietal : Obturator, supplies the obturator muscles. 



Sciatic, passes out below pyriformis and sup- 

 plies the muscles on the upper part of the 

 thigh. 



Internal pudic passes out below pyriformis, 

 and, crossing the ischial spine with the 

 pudic nerve, it enters and supplies the 

 perineum. 



The External Iliac artery arises opposite the sacro-iliac joint, 

 and, passing outwards and forwards along the brim of the 

 pelvis, it passes under the mid-point of Poupart's ligament and 

 becomes the femoral artery. It lies on psoas and iliacus, and is 

 separated from the colon and small intestine by the peritoneum. 



Branches. Deep epigastric and deep circumflex iliac supply 

 the muscles and skin of the anterior abdominal wall. 



