Quick Facts
Origin: External iliac artery.
Course: Ascends and courses laterally to the anterior superior iliac spine, posterior to the inguinal ligament.
Branches: Ascending branch of deep circumflex iliac artery.
Supplied Structures: External abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscle.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The deep circumflex iliac artery is a branch of the external iliac artery, originating opposite the origin of the inferior epigastric artery.
Course
The deep circumflex iliac artery ascends lateral to the anterior superior iliac spine and posterior to the inguinal ligament. It pierces the transversalis fascia to course along the superior rim of the iliac crest. Around the midaxillary line, the deep circumflex iliac artery pierces the transversus abdominis muscle and runs between it and the internal abdominal oblique muscle.
Branches
The deep circumflex iliac artery gives off a large ascending branch, just posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine. Along its course, it forms anastomoses with the lumbar arteries, the inferior epigastric arteries, and the lateral circumflex iliac artery.
Supplied Structures
The deep circumflex iliac artery supplies the inguinal region of the transversus abdominis and the external and internal abdominal oblique muscles. It may also contribute to the supply of the inferior part to the rectus abdominis muscle.