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The aorta divides at approximately the level of vertebra L4 into a left and a right common iliac artery    but continues as a small vessel, the median sacral artery    , into the sacrum. The common iliac arteries provide blood to the pelvic region and ultimately to the lower limbs. They split into external and internal iliac arteries approximately at the level of the lumbar-sacral articulation. Each internal iliac artery    sends branches to the urinary bladder, the walls of the pelvis, the external genitalia, and the medial portion of the femoral region. In females, they also provide blood to the uterus and vagina. The much larger external iliac artery    supplies blood to each of the lower limbs. [link] shows the distribution of the major branches of the aorta into the thoracic and abdominal regions. [link] shows the distribution of the major branches of the common iliac arteries. [link] summarizes the major branches of the abdominal aorta.

Major branches of the aorta

This table shows the different arteries in the thoracic and abdominal cavity. The list on the left shows unpaired arteries, and the list on the right shows paired cavities.
The flow chart summarizes the distribution of the major branches of the aorta into the thoracic and abdominal regions.

Major branches of the iliac arteries

This flowchart shows the different branches into which that the abdominal aorta is divided.
The flow chart summarizes the distribution of the major branches of the common iliac arteries into the pelvis and lower limbs. The left side follows a similar pattern to the right.
Vessels of the Abdominal Aorta
Vessel Description
Celiac trunk Also called the celiac artery; a major branch of the abdominal aorta; gives rise to the left gastric artery, the splenic artery, and the common hepatic artery that forms the hepatic artery to the liver, the right gastric artery to the stomach, and the cystic artery to the gall bladder
Left gastric artery Branch of the celiac trunk; supplies blood to the stomach
Splenic artery Branch of the celiac trunk; supplies blood to the spleen
Common hepatic artery Branch of the celiac trunk that forms the hepatic artery, the right gastric artery, and the cystic artery
Hepatic artery proper Branch of the common hepatic artery; supplies systemic blood to the liver
Right gastric artery Branch of the common hepatic artery; supplies blood to the stomach
Cystic artery Branch of the common hepatic artery; supplies blood to the gall bladder
Superior mesenteric artery Branch of the abdominal aorta; supplies blood to the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), the pancreas, and a majority of the large intestine
Inferior mesenteric artery Branch of the abdominal aorta; supplies blood to the distal segment of the large intestine and rectum
Inferior phrenic arteries Branches of the abdominal aorta; supply blood to the inferior surface of the diaphragm
Adrenal artery Branch of the abdominal aorta; supplies blood to the adrenal (suprarenal) glands
Renal artery Branch of the abdominal aorta; supplies each kidney
Gonadal artery Branch of the abdominal aorta; supplies blood to the gonads or reproductive organs; also described as ovarian arteries or testicular arteries, depending upon the sex of the individual
Ovarian artery Branch of the abdominal aorta; supplies blood to ovary, uterine (Fallopian) tube, and uterus
Testicular artery Branch of the abdominal aorta; ultimately travels outside the body cavity to the testes and forms one component of the spermatic cord
Lumbar arteries Branches of the abdominal aorta; supply blood to the lumbar region, the abdominal wall, and spinal cord
Common iliac artery Branch of the aorta that leads to the internal and external iliac arteries
Median sacral artery Continuation of the aorta into the sacrum
Internal iliac artery Branch from the common iliac arteries; supplies blood to the urinary bladder, walls of the pelvis, external genitalia, and the medial portion of the femoral region; in females, also provides blood to the uterus and vagina
External iliac artery Branch of the common iliac artery that leaves the body cavity and becomes a femoral artery; supplies blood to the lower limbs

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Source:  OpenStax, Anatomy & Physiology. OpenStax CNX. Feb 04, 2016 Download for free at http://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11496/1.8
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