Which vessel courses along the medial aspect of the psoas muscle?

The external iliac artery is the vessel that courses along the medial aspect of the psoas muscle. As the common iliac artery bifurcates into the external and internal iliac arteries, the external iliac artery then travels downward along the pelvis and over the iliacus muscle, maintaining a close association with the medial border of the psoas muscle. This anatomical relationship is significant in procedures involving the lower abdomen and pelvis, as well as in vascular assessments.

The other options represent different arteries that do not share the same trajectory or association with the psoas muscle. The femoral artery, for example, becomes more superficial and lateral in the groin area, while the internal iliac artery branches off to serve structures within the pelvis and does not run along the psoas. The inferior mesenteric artery originates from the abdominal aorta and supplies portions of the colon, further diverging from the relationship with the psoas muscle. Understanding the anatomy of these vessels is crucial for vascular professionals during examinations and interventions.