The external iliac vein is the cranial continuation of the femoral vein (Read more!). It begins just above the inferior margin of the inguinal ligament (Read more!) and ends anterior to the sacroiliac joint, where it joins with the internal iliac vein (Read more!). The union of these two veins forms the common iliac vein (Read more!).

The external iliac vein enters the pelvis via the vascular lacuna and then ascends medially across the pelvis toward the sacrum, running along the medial side of the psoas major muscle (Read more!). Along their course, the external iliac veins are accompanied by the external iliac arteries, which lie on their lateral side. The external iliac veins are also crossed by the ureters (Read more!).

Along its course, the external iliac vein receives the following tributaries:

Inferior epigastric vein (Read more!) - joins the external iliac vein superior to the inguinal ligament, on the medial side of the vein; drains the lower portion of the anterior abdominal wall;
Deep circumflex iliac vein (Read more!) - also drains into the external iliac vein just above the inguinal ligament, but on the lateral side of the vein; it collects blood from the pelvic walls and the iliacus muscle.

Overall, the external iliac vein is responsible for collecting venous blood from the lower anterior abdominal wall, pubic region, and lower limb.

Note: The external iliac veins are usually valveless, although they may occasionally contain one or two valves.

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External iliac vein