Common iliac vein

Definition

The common iliac vein is a large vein in the pelvis that is formed by the union of the internal and external iliac veins and drains deoxygenated blood from the lower limbs back to the heart. It ultimately contributes to the formation of the inferior vena cava, which carries blood to the right atrium of the heart.

Related terms

Inferior vena cava: The largest vein in the human body, which carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle parts of the body to the right atrium of the heart.

Internal iliac vein: A vein that drains blood from organs in the pelvic region, such as the bladder and reproductive organs, joining with the external iliac to form the common iliac vein.

External iliac vein: A continuation of the femoral vein after it passes under the inguinal ligament, carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower limb up towards where it meets with its counterpart, forming the common iliac vein