Aortic bifurcation

Aortic bifurcation

The abdominal aorta and its bifurcation into the two common iliac arteries (red).
Details
Source Abdominal aorta
Branches Common iliac arteries
Vein Inferior vena cava
Identifiers
Latin Bifurcatio aortae
TA A12.2.13.001
FMA 3795

Anatomical terminology

The aortic bifurcation is the point at which the abdominal aorta bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries. The aortic bifurcation occurs usually at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebrae (L4 Vertebra),[1] just above the junction of the left and right common iliac veins.

The right common iliac artery passes in front of the left common iliac vein. In some individual, mainly women with lumbar lordosis this vein can be compressed between the vertebra and the artery. This is the so-called Cockett syndrome or May–Thurner syndrome [2] can cause a slower venous flow and the possibility of deep venous thrombosis in the left leg mainly in pregnancy.

Additional images

References

  1. Lerona PT, Tewfik HH (June 1975). "Bifurcation level of the aorta: landmark for pelvic irradiation". Radiology. 115 (3): 735. doi:10.1148/15.3.735. PMID 1129492.
  2. "Clinical presentations of Cockett's syndrome". Retrieved 2013-03-17.


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