The initial branches of the common iliac artery are collectively known as which pair?

• A. Internal and External Iliac Arteries
• B. Intercostal and Lumbar Arteries
• C. Phrenic and Hepatic Arteries
• D. Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Arteries

Answer: (A)

Understanding how the common iliac artery branches is the key. The common iliac artery splits into two main branches right after its origin: the internal iliac and the external iliac arteries. The internal iliac mainly supplies pelvic organs and the gluteal region, while the external iliac continues as the femoral artery after crossing beneath the inguinal ligament to supply the lower limb.

The other options aren’t branches of the common iliac artery. Intercostal and lumbar arteries come off the thoracic and abdominal parts of the aorta, not from the common iliac. Phrenic and hepatic arteries relate to the diaphragm and liver. Celiac and superior mesenteric arteries arise higher up from the abdominal aorta and serve the foregut and midgut, respectively.

So the pair formed by the initial branches of the common iliac artery is the internal iliac and external iliac arteries.