The abdominal aorta divides into common iliac arteries at which vertebral level?

The abdominal aorta divides into common iliac arteries at which vertebral level?

• A. L3
• B. L4
• C. L5
• D. T12

Answer: (B)

The division point of the abdominal aorta into the common iliac arteries is at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. This bifurcation sits around the umbilical region, after the aorta has given off its major visceral branches, and marks the transition from a midline abdominal vessel to paired arteries that enter the pelvis. Going higher would place the split above the pelvis, and going lower would be past the pelvic brim, so the fourth lumbar vertebra is the classic landmark.

The division point of the abdominal aorta into the common iliac arteries is at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. This bifurcation sits around the umbilical region, after the aorta has given off its major visceral branches, and marks the transition from a midline abdominal vessel to paired arteries that enter the pelvis. Going higher would place the split above the pelvis, and going lower would be past the pelvic brim, so the fourth lumbar vertebra is the classic landmark.