QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is demonstrated as the structure just lateral to the annotated external iliac vein.
10014364
b
External iliac artery
QuestionChoice
This can be seen extending upwards from the pelvis joining the left renal vein to drain into the inferior vena cava.
10014365
c
Left testicular vein
QuestionChoice
This can be found slightly medial to the internal iliac artery, joining the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein.
10014367
e
Internal iliac vein
QuestionChoice
This is a large vein connecting the femoral vein to the common iliac vein. It originates at the inferior margin of the inguinal ligament and terminates as it joins the internal iliac vein. It is a paired structure.
10014363
a
External iliac vein
QuestionChoice
This is demonstrated passing over the bifurcation of the common iliac artery.
10014366
d
Left ureter
Concept
Chapter
## Summary

The pelvis is drained by the external, internal and common iliac veins. The **external iliac vein** drains the **femoral vein** as well as the **inferior epigastric** and **deep circumflex iliac** veins, eventually draining back into the common iliac vein where it unites with the internal iliac vein.

The **internal iliac** vein drains the **superior and inferior gluteal, internal pudendal, obturator, lateral sacral, middle rectal, vesical, uterine and vaginal veins** before uniting with the external iliac vein to drain into the common iliac vein.

The common iliac vein also drains the iliolumbar and middle sacral veins. The left and right common iliac veins then drain to the inferior vena cava.

[lightgallery]

[lightgallery1]

## Clinical points

The left common iliac vein crosses behind the right common iliac artery just proximal to the origin of the IVC. Rarely, the artery can compress the vein and this can be a trigger for a deep vein thrombosis in the left common iliac vein. This presentation is called **May-Thurner syndrome**
3021
Picture
2389
Veins of the pelvis2.gif
images/htsmjwnu1707121376145.jpg
images/htsmjwnu1707121376145_256.jpg
images/htsmjwnu1707121376145_512.jpg
MQgOB4L2qZdWmIaOhYaIqHiXKKGfB7oE
Picture
2395
Veins of the pelvis1.gif
images/reeia67u1707121376145.jpg
images/reeia67u1707121376145_256.jpg
images/reeia67u1707121376145_512.jpg
7QcSBwD4loh5d4edd4Z4mHd2eY+3CJ0E
5004
Veins of the pelvis
Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
15419
Picture
2004
34 - Veins of the pelvis (left external iliac vein).png
images/1xc6i2sm1689760707561.jpg
images/1xc6i2sm1689760707561_256.jpg
images/1xc6i2sm1689760707561_512.jpg
mRgKDQK7h3Bk2LhHp3qGiGebkKUI
Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
Identify the annotated structure.

[lightgallery]
a