Which arteries are the direct descendants of the common iliac artery?

• A. Internal and External Iliac Arteries
• B. Popliteal and Tibial Arteries
• C. Renal and Gonadal Arteries
• D. Celiac and Hepatic Arteries

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that the common iliac arteries divide into two immediate branches: the internal iliac artery, which stays in the pelvis to supply pelvic organs and nearby structures, and the external iliac artery, which continues into the lower limb and becomes the femoral artery after passing under the inguinal ligament. These two arteries are the direct descendants of the common iliac artery because they are the first branches that arise from it on each side.

The other arteries listed don’t come directly off the common iliac. The popliteal and tibial arteries are downstream branches of the femoral artery in the leg. The renal and gonadal arteries arise directly from the abdominal aorta, not from the common iliac. The celiac trunk and hepatic arteries also originate from the abdominal aorta, not from the common iliac.