What anatomical structure does the external iliac artery transition to in the thigh?

The external iliac artery transitions into the common femoral artery as it passes under the inguinal ligament and enters the thigh. This anatomical change occurs at a specific landmark in the lower abdomen and marks a significant point in the arterial pathway as the blood leaves the pelvis and moves towards the lower extremity.

Understanding this transition is crucial for interpreting ultrasound images and diagnosing vascular conditions. The common femoral artery further branches into the profunda femoris (or deep femoral artery), which supplies the deeper structures of the thigh, and the superficial femoral artery, which travels down the thigh towards the knee and becomes the popliteal artery at the level of the knee joint. Recognizing the common femoral artery as a continuation of the external iliac artery helps to accurately trace blood flow and assess potential vascular anomalies or pathologies.