What does the common iliac artery bifurcate into?

The common iliac artery bifurcates into the internal and external iliac arteries, which is a fundamental aspect of human vascular anatomy. This bifurcation occurs at the level of the sacroiliac joint, typically around the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra.

The internal iliac artery primarily supplies blood to the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and perineum. It gives rise to several branches that serve the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and muscles in the hip area.

In contrast, the external iliac artery continues down into the thigh as the femoral artery, which supplies blood to the lower limb. Understanding this bifurcation is crucial for various medical fields, particularly in interventional radiology, where knowledge of vascular anatomy aids in procedures like catheter placements, angioplasty, and stent placements.

Other choices present arteries that do not directly branch from the common iliac artery and are therefore incorrect in this context. Renal and impar arteries, for instance, are associated with different vascular structures in the body, and the mesenteric and intestinal arteries serve the gastrointestinal system but are not branches of the iliac arteries.