The common iliac artery is a paired large elastic artery located in the iliac region. The right and left common iliac arteries arise from the abdominal aorta - from its bifurcation at the level of fourth lumbar vertebra (L4).

Each common iliac artery runs posterolaterally along the medial border of the psoas major muscle and at the level of the sacroiliac joint divides into two terminal branches:

• External iliac artery
• Internal iliac artery

The common iliac artery also gives small side branches to the peritoneum and the surrounding tissues, including the local lymph nodes.