
What is the function of the posterior intercostal arteries?
Posterior intercostal arteries are the arteries that supply the blood to the intercostal spaces together with their anterior counterpart.
What arteries supply blood to the intercostal space?
Intercostal arteries. The posterior intercostal arteries are arteries that supply blood to the intercostal spaces. There are eleven posterior intercostal arteries on each side. The 1st and 2nd posterior intercostal arteries arise from the supreme intercostal artery, a branch of the costocervical trunk of the subclavian artery.
How many pairs of blood vessels are in the posterior intercostal?
The posterior intercostal arteries are eleven pairs of blood vessels that travel within the intercostal spaces and supply the thoracic wall and parietal pleura. The upper two branch off the superior intercostal artery, while the lower nine pairs arise directly from the thoracic aorta.
How many thoracic arteries are in the intercostal space?
Internal thoracic arteries The anterior and posterior intercostal arteries travel within the intercostal spaces, bordered by the lower edge of the rib above and the upper border of the rib below. Each of the upper 9 intercostal spaces is supplied by the three vessels; a single posterior intercostal artery and the two anterior intercostal arteries.

What does the anterior intercostal arteries supply?
Along with the posterior intercostal arteries, the anterior intercostal arteries supply the muscles and skin within the intercostal spaces as well as the parietal pleura.
What do the posterior intercostal arteries drain into?
The posterior intercostal veins drain into the azygos vein (right side), and hemiazygos and accessory hemiazygos veins (left side). The latter two veins ultimately drain into the azygos vein. The azygos vein then drains into the superior vena cava.
Do anterior and posterior intercostal arteries connect?
Each artery then divides into an anterior and a posterior ramus. A given posterior intercostal artery travels along the bottom of the rib with its corresponding posterior intercostal vein, as well as the intercostal nerve of the given space....Intercostal arteriesLatinArteriae intercostalesAnatomical terminology5 more rows
Does posterior intercostal artery supply the breast?
The posterior intercostal arteries are branches of the superior intercostal artery (upper two spaces) and the descending aorta (lower nine spaces). They supply the chest wall, parietal pleura, and, through their dorsal branches, the skin and muscles of the back and the spine and its contents.
Where does the first posterior intercostal vein drain into?
brachiocephalic veinThe 1st posterior intercostal vein, supreme intercostal vein, drains into the brachiocephalic vein or the vertebral vein. The 2nd and 3rd (and often 4th) posterior intercostal veins drain into the superior intercostal vein.
How many posterior intercostal arteries are there?
There are 12 pairs of posterior intercostal arteries (PIA). The first two pairs originate via the supreme intercostal artery from the costocervical trunk of the subclavian artery and the lower nine (excluding the subcostal artery) are segmental dorsal branches of the descending aorta.
Where do posterior intercostal arteries come from?
The first and second posterior intercostal arteries originate from the superior (supreme) intercostal artery, a branch of the costocervical trunk. Third to eleventh posterior intercostal arteries arise directly from the posterior surface of the thoracic aorta.
What is the function of intercostal arteries?
The anterior (rear) intercostal arteries are extensions of the thoracic artery and the musculophrenic artery. These arteries direct blood flow to the skin and muscles of the intercostal spaces.
Where do the posterior intercostal arteries originate?
The first and second posterior intercostal arteries originate from the superior (supreme) intercostal artery, a branch of the costocervical trunk. Third to eleventh posterior intercostal arteries arise directly from the posterior surface of the thoracic aorta.
Where do intercostal arteries run?
2:043:35Intercostal arteries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this internal thoracic artery courses like suspenders on the internal surface and lateral to theMoreAnd this internal thoracic artery courses like suspenders on the internal surface and lateral to the sternum. From top to bottom in that fashion and off this internal thoracic artery at every
How many posterior intercostal arteries are there?
There are 12 pairs of posterior intercostal arteries (PIA). The first two pairs originate via the supreme intercostal artery from the costocervical trunk of the subclavian artery and the lower nine (excluding the subcostal artery) are segmental dorsal branches of the descending aorta.
Where do the first and second posterior intercostal arteries originate?
The first and second posterior intercostal arteries originate from the superior (supreme) intercostal artery, a branch of the costocervical trunk. Third to eleventh posterior intercostal arteries arise directly from the posterior surface of the thoracic aorta.
Which artery supplies the 10th and 11th intercostal spaces?
The 10th and 11th intercostal spaces are supplied by the posterior intercostal arteries only. The internal thoracic artery is a source for the upper six anterior intercostal arteries, as well as the superior epigastric and musculophrenic arteries.
What is the internal thoracic vein?
The internal thoracic veins accompany the internal thoracic arteries. They unite at about the third costal cartilage to form a single internal intercostal vein that is medial to the accompanying artery.Like most veins in the body, the internal thoracic vein has several valves along its length to promote the unidirectional flow of blood. It receives segmental tributaries at each intercostal level (similar to the points at which the corresponding arteries emerge). The pericardiophrenic vein also drains deoxygenated blood by way of the internal thoracic veins. The internal thoracic vein eventually drains directly into the ipsilateral brachiocephalic vein .
How many pairs of intercostal veins are there?
Intercostal veins. There are eleven pairs of posterior intercostal veins, ni ne pairs of anterior intercostal and one pair of subcostal veins supplying the thoracic wall. Each posterior intercostal vein forms an anastomosis with the ipsilateral anterior intercostal veins.
What are the subcostal arteries?
The subcostal arteries are direct branches of the thoracic aorta. They are analogous to the posterior intercostal artery, so if there was a 12th intercostal space, they would be the 12th intercostal arteries. Like its preceding counterparts, each subcostal artery gives the anterior and posterior branches that travel along with the subcostal space below the twelfth rib. On the left side, the artery passes behind the accessory hemiazygous vein, while on the right side it passes in front of the twelfth thoracic vertebra and behind the thoracic duct and azygous vein. On either side, the arteries are posteriorly related to the sympathetic trunk, diaphragm, and adjacent pleura.
Why are the internal thoracic arteries called the internal mammary arteries?
The internal thoracic arteries were once referred to as the internal mammary arteries because they indirectly supply the breasts. They stem from the subclavian artery and contribute to supplying the intercostal muscles, skin and parietal pleura associated with the first six intercostal spaces.
Why is it important to know the arteries and veins of the chest wall?
Knowledge of the arteries and veins that supply the chest wall is not only important for passing exams, but also for certain emergency situations that pop up during clinical practice. This article will discuss the arteries and veins of the thoracic wall. However, a brief review of the intercostal space and the chest wall anatomy will also be included.
Course
The posterior intercostal arteries arise from the back of the thoracic aorta. On the right side, these arteries are longer because the aorta lies to the left of the midline. They travel in front of the vertebrae and behind vessels of the azygos venous system, esophagus, and thoracic duct.
Branches
Each posterior intercostal artery divides into anterior and posterior branches.
Supply
Along with the anterior intercostal arteries, which arise from the internal thoracic artery, the posterior intercostal arteries supply the muscles and other components filling the intercostal spaces, as well as the parietal pleura.
Where do the intercostal arteries originate?
These arteries are also referred to as the highest intercostal artery and originate from the costocervical trunk in the chest. The thoracic aorta produces the arteries that direct blood flow to the nine remaining intercostal spaces.
Which artery directs blood flow to the skin and muscles of the intercostal spaces?
The anterior (rear) intercostal arteries are extension s of the thoracic artery and the musculophrenic artery. These arteries direct blood flow to the skin and muscles of the intercostal spaces.
How many intercostal spaces are there?
The intercostal space is the opening formed between two ribs. There are a total of 11 spaces, with corresponding arteries for each one. The first two intercostal spaces are supplied with blood by the posterior intercostal artery.
What is the name of the set of blood vessels that direct blood flow to an area within the ribs?
Intercostal artery. The intercostal artery refers to the set of blood vessels that direct blood flow to an area within the ribs known as the intercostal space. The intercostal artery is divided into three groups of smaller blood vessels. Two of the groups originate from the front, and the other group is found near the back.
Where is the left posterior intercostal artery located?
The left posterior intercostal arteries go towards the back of the hemiazygos vein as well as sympathetic chain in front of the side of the vertebral body and are smaller in length. The posterior intercostal artery is located amongst the intercostal vein above as well as the intercostal nerve below within the intercostal space.
Where do the 3rd – 11th posterior intercostal arteries emerge?
The 3 rd – 11th posterior intercostal arteries emerge straight from the descending thoracic aorta.
What arteries supply the mammary gland?
Mammary branches (external mammary arteries) emerge from posterior intercostals arteries of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intercostal spaces and supply the mammary gland of breasts. Right bronchial artery arises from right 3rd posterior intercostal artery. The posterior intercostal artery splits within the anterior and posterior rami.
What is the name of the artery that supplies blood to the intercostal spaces?
Posterior intercostal arteries are the arteries that supply the blood to the intercostal spaces together with their anterior counterpart. Posterior Intercostal Arteries.
Which arteries supply the muscles and skin inside the intercostal spaces?
The posterior intercostal arteries and anterior intercostal arteries together supply the muscles and skin inside the intercostal spaces along with the parietal pleura.
Which artery splits between the anterior and posterior rami?
The posterior intercostal artery splits within the anterior and posterior rami. The anterior ramus travels beside the costal groove, alongside an intercostal nerve and vein. The posterior ramus produces branches which anastomose together with other vessels in order to supply the spinal cord and soft tissue structures of the back.
Which arteries travel behind the esophagus?
In front of the anterior part of vertebral body, they travel behind the esophagus, thoracic duct, azygos vein, and sympathetic chain.
Which arteries pass posteriorly to the inferior vena cava?
The right lumbar arteries continue their course, passing posteriorly to the inferior vena cava. The first left lumbar artery passes posterior to the left crus of the diaphragm, while the upper two right lumbar arteries pass posterior to the right crus. Each lumbar artery sends collaterals to anastomose with the lumbar artery one level below ...
Which artery contributes to the spinal cord?
One of the most important branches from this series of arteries is the great radicular artery (artery of Adamkiewicz) that contributes to the spinal cord blood supply. This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the lumbar arteries. Key facts about the lumbar arteries. Origin.
Where does the great radicular artery originate?
The great radicular artery (of Adamkiewicz) can sometimes originate from the spinal branch of the last or second to the last posterior intercostal artery, or from the subcostal artery.
Where does the lateral branch of the abdominal wall go?
The lateral branch courses over the surface of the posterior abdominal wall; deep to the psoas major and lumbar plexus and over the anterior surface of quadratus lumborum. It passes through the posterior margin of transversus abdominis and continues coursing forwards between the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles. Along its course, it gives off the perforating branches that supply the abdominal muscles near which it passes.
Which arteries terminate with the lumbar artery?
The lumbar arteries on both sides all terminate by anastomosing with the ipsilateral subcostal, posterior intercostal, iliolumbar, deep circumflex iliac and inferior epigastric arteries.
Where do the lumbar arteries originate?
The four lumbar arteries originate from each posterolateral side of the abdominal aorta. If the fifth pair of arteries is present, it arises either from the median sacral artery or iliolumbar arteries.
What are the branches of the abdominal aorta?
Abdominal aorta. Branches. Medial branch, middle branch, lateral branch. Supply. Lumbar part of sympathetic chain, skin and muscles of posterior abdominal wall, joints of the lumbar spine, lumbar portion of the deep back muscles, lower two-thirds of spinal cord.
What is the intercostal artery?
Intercostal arteries are posterior branches along the length of the descending thoracic aorta and provide segmental arterial blood supply to the spinal cord. From: Atlas of Cardiac Surgical Techniques (Second Edition), 2019. Download as PDF.
Where do the third and eleventh intercostal arteries originate?
The third through eleventh intercostal arteries originate from the thoracic aorta and course laterally along the inferior aspect of the corresponding rib (see Figs. 6-11 and 6-13, A ). The artery that courses below the twelfth rib is known as the subcostal artery because it lies inferior to the twelfth rib and not between two ribs. The first two intercostal arteries arise from the highest intercostal artery. The highest intercostal artery is a branch of the costocervical trunk, which arises from the subclavian artery.
What are the two groups of intercostal arteries?
The intercostal arteries are arranged in two groups, anterior and posterior. The anterior intercostal arteries are branches of the internal thoracic (upper six spaces) and musculophrenic (seventh to ninth spaces) arteries. The lowest two spaces do not receive an anterior supply. The posterior intercostal arteries are branches ...
Which arteries cross the thoracic vertebral bodies to reach the right?
Because the thoracic aorta lies to the left of the thoracic spine, the right intercostal arteries must cross over the thoracic vertebral bodies to reach the right intercostal spaces. This results in the right intercostal arteries being longer than the left ones.
Which artery supplies the wall of the right mainstem bronchus?
Graphic depicts a common variation of the anatomy of the bronchial arteries. In this illustration, the right bronchial artery arises from the right intercostal artery and supplies the wall of the right mainstem bronchus. Superior and inferior left bronchial arteries arise from the descending thoracic aorta and supply the wall of the left mainstem bronchus.
Which artery does not receive anterior supply?
The lowest two spaces do not receive an anterior supply. The posterior intercostal arteries are branches of the superior intercostal artery (upper two spaces) and the descending aorta (lower nine spaces). They supply the chest wall, parietal pleura, and, through their dorsal branches, the skin and muscles of the back and the spine and its contents.
Which branch of the brain supplies the disc?
The posterior central branch supplies disc and vertebral body, whereas the prelaminal branch supplies the inner surface of the arch, ligamenta flava, and regional epidural tissue. The neural branch entering the neural foramen supplies pia, arachnoid, and cord.
