Intercostal vein

Intercostal vein

The Intercostal veins are a group of veins that drain the intercostal space - the space between the ribs in the thoracic cavity. They are part of the systemic venous system and play a crucial role in returning deoxygenated blood from the chest wall and breast back to the heart.

Anatomy

The intercostal veins are divided into three sets: the anterior intercostal veins, the posterior intercostal veins, and the supreme intercostal veins.

Anterior Intercostal Veins

The anterior intercostal veins drain the front part of the intercostal spaces. They are tributaries of the internal thoracic vein.

Posterior Intercostal Veins

The posterior intercostal veins drain the back part of the intercostal spaces. They are tributaries of the azygos vein and hemiazygos vein.

Supreme Intercostal Veins

The supreme intercostal veins drain the first two intercostal spaces. They are tributaries of the brachiocephalic vein.

Function

The intercostal veins, along with the intercostal arteries, supply blood to the intercostal muscles, which are responsible for the mechanical aspect of breathing. They also drain blood from the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the parietal pleura - the outer layer of the pleura that lines the inside of the rib cage.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the intercostal veins can lead to intercostal hemorrhage, a potentially life-threatening condition. It can occur due to trauma, surgery, or invasive procedures such as thoracentesis.

See Also

• Vein
• Intercostal arteries
• Intercostal muscles
• Thoracic cavity
• Breathing

References

Intercostal vein Resources
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