iliac veins


com·mon il·i·ac vein

[TA] formed by the union of the external and internal iliac veins at the brim of the pelvis and passes upward posterior to the internal iliac artery to the right side of the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra where it unites with its fellow of the opposite side to form the inferior vena cava; the left common iliac vein is submitted to a pulsating compression by the right common iliac artery against the vertebral column that may result in partial obstruction of the vein. Synonym(s): vena iliaca communis [TA]

iliac veins

The three large veins on each side of the body that drain the pelvis and legs and accompany the ILIAC ARTERIES.