Iliacale

Iliacale is an anatomical term used to denote relations to the ilium, the broad, wing-shaped part of the pelvis that forms part of the hip bone. The ilium is one of three bones that make up the pelvic girdle, along with the ischium and pubis, and it articulates with the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint. In medical terminology, iliac-related structures include the iliac crest, the iliac fossa on the inner surface of the ilium, and the iliac region as a general descriptor for injuries, procedures, or landmarks in the pelvic area.

The prefix is also used in the names of vascular structures such as the iliac arteries and iliac veins, which supply and drain the lower abdomen and pelvis. The common iliac artery divides into internal and external iliac arteries, and these vessels continue as the internal and external iliac arteries supplying pelvic organs, the gluteal region, and the lower limbs.

The iliopelvic region is clinically significant for bone grafting, as the iliac crest is a common donor site for autografts. Muscles associated with the iliac region include the iliacus muscle, a broad, fan-shaped muscle that blends with the psoas major.

Etymology: from Latin ilia for the ilium; the English form is iliac, with Italian equivalents varying by gender; the term iliacale appears in some texts as an adjectival form relating to the iliac region.