Into which vessels does the abdominal aorta bifurcate?

• A. Right and Left Common Iliac Arteries
• B. Renal Arteries
• C. Splenic and Hepatic Arteries
• D. Pulmonary Arteries

Answer: (A)

The abdominal aorta ends by splitting into two large arteries that supply the pelvis and lower limbs—the common iliac arteries. This bifurcation happens around the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra near the umbilicus. From each common iliac artery, branches go on to form the internal and external iliac arteries, with the external continuing into the leg as the femoral artery. The other vessels listed aren’t where the aorta divides: renal arteries come off the aorta higher up to supply the kidneys, the splenic and hepatic arteries arise from the celiac trunk in the upper abdomen, and the pulmonary arteries belong to the heart’s circulation to the lungs.