Quick Facts
Origin: Continuation of femoral vein as it passes under the inguinal ligament.
Course: Travels from the inguinal ligament to join the internal iliac vein.
Tributaries: Femoral, inferior epigastric, and deep circumflex iliac veins.
Drainage: Lower limb.
Origin
The external iliac vein is a continuation of the femoral vein as it runs into the pelvic cavity by passing under the inguinal ligament.
Course
The external iliac vein courses proximally across the iliacus muscle and along the true pelvic brim, to unite with the internal iliac vein. These two vessels unite to form the common iliac vein at the sacroiliac joint. Along its course the vein runs medial to the external iliac artery.
Tributaries
The external iliac vein receives tributaries from the femoral, inferior epigastric, and deep circumflex iliac veins.
Structures Drained
The tributaries of the external iliac vein drain the entire lower limb and contribute to drainage of the lower abdominal wall.
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External Iliac Vein
The external iliac vein is the cranial extension of the femoral vein and receives the inferior epigastric, deep circumflex iliac, and pubic veins.
