The external iliac artery runs along the medial border of the psoas, following the pelvic brim. It gives offthe inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac branches. The artery enters the thigh by passing under the inguinal ligament to become the femoral artery.
The inferior epigastric artery arises just above the inguinal ligament. It passes upward and medially along the medial margin of the deep inguinal ring and enters the rectus sheath behind the rectus abdominis muscle. The deep circumflex iliac artery arises close to the inferior epigastric artery. It ascends laterally to the anterior superior iliac spine and the iliac crest, supplying the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.