Internal mammary vein

Internal Mammary Vein

The internal mammary vein, as depicted in Gray's Anatomy.

The Internal Mammary Vein (IMV), also known as the Internal Thoracic Vein, is a vein located in the thoracic cavity. It runs parallel to the internal mammary artery and drains the anterior thoracic wall and the breast.

Anatomy

The internal mammary vein originates from the superior epigastric vein and the musculophrenic vein. It runs vertically down the inside of the thoracic wall, parallel to the sternum. It typically consists of two veins, which may occasionally fuse into a single vein.

Function

The internal mammary vein drains blood from the anterior thoracic wall and the breast. It also serves as a pathway for metastasis in breast cancer.

Clinical significance

The internal mammary vein is often used in coronary artery bypass surgery as a conduit for bypass grafts. It is also a landmark in thoracic surgery and can be used as a central venous access in certain situations.

See also

• Internal mammary artery
• Vein
• Thoracic cavity
• Breast