Normative growth data for the external diameters of the external and internal iliac arteries in human fetuses--an

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation
06:56

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation

Published on: January 7, 2021

Michał Szpinda1, Anna Szpinda

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland. kizanat@cm.umk.pl

Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine : Official Organ Wroclaw Medical University
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Normal growth of fetal external and internal iliac artery diameters follows quadratic functions, independent of sex. The internal iliac artery diameter is larger than the external iliac artery, with a trend towards larger right-sided vessels.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Developmental Biology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Normative data for aorto-iliac segment diameters are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring prenatal arterial variations and pathologies.
  • Understanding normal arterial development aids in identifying congenital anomalies and planning interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish age-specific reference intervals for external iliac artery (EIA) and internal iliac artery (IIA) diameters.
  • To generate normal growth curves for these arteries during fetal development.

Main Methods:

  • Anatomical dissection and digital-image analysis were employed.
  • The study analyzed 124 human fetuses aged 15–34 weeks.
  • External diameters of the EIA and IIA were measured.

Main Results:

  • EIA external diameters increased from 0.29–0.31 mm to 1.37–1.41 mm, following quadratic growth curves (R² = 0.82–0.86).
  • IIA external diameters ranged from 0.44 mm to 1.83–2.04 mm, also modeled by quadratic functions (R² = 0.74–0.76).
  • IIA diameters were statistically larger than EIA diameters; a trend towards larger right-sided vessels was observed, though sex differences were not significant.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal EIA and IIA external diameters are independent of sex.
  • IIA external diameter is approximately 1.5 times larger than EIA external diameter.
  • Normal growth patterns for these arterial segments are best described by quadratic functions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions06:08

Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions

Published on: March 8, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Arteries of Lower Limbs01:20

Arteries of Lower Limbs

The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular artery,...