internal iliac artery, a division of the common iliac artery, supplying the walls of the pelvis, the pelvic viscera, the genital organs, and part of the medial thigh. In the fetus the internal iliac artery is twice as large as the external iliac artery and is the direct continuation of the common iliac artery. After birth the internal iliac artery becomes smaller than the external iliac artery. Also called hypogastric artery. Compare external iliac artery.
