Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
The intercostal arteries are a group of arteries passing within an intercostal space (the space between two adjacent ribs). There are 9 anterior and 11 posterior intercostal arteries on each side of the body. The anterior intercostal arteries are branches of the internal thoracic artery and its terminal branch – the musculophrenic artery.
The intercostal veins are a group of veins which drain the area between the ribs ("costae"), called the intercostal space. They can be divided as follows: Anterior intercostal veins; Posterior intercostal veins. Posterior intercost vein that drain into the Supreme intercostal vein - 1st intercostal space
The left superior intercostal vein drains the 2nd and 3rd posterior intercostal veins on the left side of the body. It usually drains into the left brachiocephalic vein . [ 1 ] [ 2 ] It may also communicate with the accessory hemiazygos vein .
The posterior intercostal veins are veins that drain the intercostal spaces posteriorly. They run with their corresponding posterior intercostal artery on the underside of the rib, the vein superior to the artery. Each vein also gives off a dorsal branch that drains blood from the muscles of the back.
The neurovascular bundle has a strict order of vein-artery-nerve (VAN), from top to bottom. [2] This neurovascular bundle runs high in the intercostal space, and the smaller collateral neurovascular bundle runs just superior to the lower rib of the space (in the order NAV from superior to inferior).
Bilaterally, the internal thoracic vein arises from the superior epigastric vein, and accompanies the internal thoracic artery along its course. [1] It drains the intercostal veins, although the posterior drainage is often handled by the azygous veins. [1] It terminates in the brachiocephalic vein. [2] It has a width of 2-3 mm. [3]
Twelve anterior intercostal branches, two to each of the top six intercostal spaces. In a given space, the upper branch travels laterally along the bottom of the rib until it anastomoses with its corresponding posterior intercostal artery. The lower branch of the space anastomoses with a collateral branch of the posterior intercostal artery.
The supreme intercostal vein (highest intercostal vein) is a paired vein that drains the first intercostal space on its corresponding side. It usually drains into the brachiocephalic vein . [ 1 ] Alternatively, it drains into the superior intercostal vein , or the vertebral vein of its corresponding side.