What is "external iliac vein"

n. a continuation of the femoral vein; unites with the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein

The external iliac veins are large veins that connect the femoral veins to the common iliac veins. Their origin is at the inferior margin of the inguinal ligaments and they terminate when they join the internal iliac veins (to form the common iliac veins).

Both external iliac veins are accompanied along their course by external iliac arteries.